Amateur service and amateur-satellite service · 2018-05-25 · Ericsson, for example, has quantified the total amount of monthly data traffic at approximately 1 800 petabytes in

Printed in SwitzerlandGeneva, 2015

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International Telecommunication

UnionPlace des Nations

1211 Geneva 20Switzerland

Handbook onGlobal Trends in IMT

Edition of 2015

ITU-R

Han

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Glo

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s in

IMT

2015

ISBN 978-92-61-15841-5

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Handbook

on

Global Trends in IMT

Edition of 2015

ITU-R

Handbook on Global Trends in IMT iii

Foreword

This International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Handbook on Global Trends in International Mobile

Telecommunication (IMT) is a success story of international cooperation amongst qualified and skilled experts

in the field of advanced mobile communications and regulations representing national regulatory agencies,

mobile operators and major players in the IMT industry.

Recognizing the rapid progress of IMT, this Handbook does not necessarily contain all aspects of the future

development of IMT. However it provides a useful guide to the main features of the current systems and the

trends towards the future. The readers are encouraged to check the latest version of the Handbook’s references.

We acknowledge with special thanks the helpful contribution to the discussions of all participants to ITU-R

Working Party 5D and those who have provided useful elements such as data and system parameters of existing

IMT systems.

The development of this Handbook has also benefited from the numerous contributions by the participants in

the various ITU groups involved, in particular the groups responsible for the ongoing maintenance and

updating of the information in their area of responsibility: ITU-R WP 5D (Radio aspects), ITU-R WP 4B

(satellite aspects), ITU-T SG 13 (core network aspects), ITU-D Q.25/2 (developing countries aspects).

We believe that this Handbook, together with other ITU publications, will serve as practical tool to assist

Administrations and other stakeholders in their endeavours to further develop their IMT networks for the

provision of Mobile broadband services.

Handbook on Global Trends in IMT v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Purpose and scope ...................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Vocabulary of key terms used in this Handbook ............................................................. 1

2 Usage trends and service requirements .............................................................................................. 2

2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 2

2.2 Usage trends ..................................................................................................................... 2

2.3 Market trends ................................................................................................................... 7

2.4 Key features of IMT ......................................................................................................... 11

2.5 Servicing urban, rural and remote areas ........................................................................... 12

2.6 Use of IMT for specialist applications ............................................................................. 12

2.7 Considerations for developing countries .......................................................................... 12

3 IMT system characteristics, technologies and standards ................................................................. 14

3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 14

3.2 IMT system concepts and objectives ............................................................................... 14

3.3 IMT architecture and standards ........................................................................................ 16

3.4 Techniques to facilitate roaming ...................................................................................... 33

4 IMT spectrum ......................................................................................................................................... 34

4.1 International spectrum identified for IMT ....................................................................... 34

4.2 Frequency arrangements .................................................................................................. 34

4.3 Methods to Estimate spectrum requirements for IMT ..................................................... 37

5 Regulatory issues ................................................................................................................................... 38

5.1 Institutional aspects and arrangements ............................................................................ 38

5.2 Transparency and stakeholder involvement ..................................................................... 39

5.3 Market knowledge ........................................................................................................... 39

5.4 Spectrum licensing ........................................................................................................... 39

5.5 IMT spectrum clearing (including re-farming) guidelines ............................................... 40

5.6 Global circulation of terminals ........................................................................................ 40

5.7 Unwanted emissions ........................................................................................................ 40

6 Steps to consider in the deployment of IMT systems ....................................................................... 40

6.1 Key issues and questions to be considered prior to IMT network deployment ............... 40

6.2 Migration of existing wireless systems to IMT ................................................................ 41

vi Handbook on Global Trends in IMT

Page

6.3 Choice of technology in the identified IMT bands .......................................................... 45

6.4 Deployment planning ....................................................................................................... 46

7 Criteria leading to technology decisions ............................................................................................ 47

7.1 Spectrum implications, Channelization and Bandwidth considerations .......................... 47

7.2 Importance of multi-mode/multi-band solutions ............................................................. 47

7.3 Technology development path ......................................................................................... 47

7.4 Backhaul Considerations.................................................................................................. 47

7.5 Technology Neutrality ..................................................................................................... 48

ANNEX A – Abbreviations, acronyms, interface and reference points ............................................................ 51

A.1 Abbreviations and acronyms ............................................................................................ 49

A.2 Interface ........................................................................................................................... 53

A.3 Reference point ................................................................................................................ 55

ANNEX B – Reference publications ................................................................................................................. 57

B.1 ITU publications .............................................................................................................. 57

B.2 External publications ....................................................................................................... 58

ANNEX C – Applications and services ............................................................................................................. 61

C.1 Location based application and services ................................................................................. 61

ANNEX D – Description of Wireless Backhaul Systems .................................................................... 67

ANNEX E – Description of the IMT-2000 radio interfaces and systems .......................................................... 69

ANNEX F – Description of External Organizations ......................................................................................... 71

F.1 3GPP ................................................................................................................................ 71

F.1 3GPP ................................................................................................................................ 71

F.2 3GPP2 .............................................................................................................................. 71

F.3 IEEE ................................................................................................................................. 71

ANNEX G – Published Recommendations, Reports and ongoing activities of ITU-R on

Terrestrial IMT ........................................................................................................................... 73

G.1 Overall relationship diagram of ITU-R WP 5D deliverables and ongoing activities

(since WP 5D #13) ........................................................................................................... 73

G.2 Published Recommendations and Reports of ITU-R related to Terrestrial IMT ............. 73

G.3 Work ongoing and underway in ITU-R WP 5D .............................................................. 78

G.4 All list of ITU-R Recommendations and Reports on IMT .............................................. 80

ANNEX H – Satellite IMT (and other, related) Recommendations and Reports .............................................. 83

ANNEX I – Technology migration in a given frequency band ........................................................................... 85

I.1 Frequency resource allocation ............................................................................................................. 83

I.2 Coexistence between GSM and IMT in the adjacent frequencies .................................................. 86

Handbook on Global Trends in IMT vii

Page

I.3 Coexistence of Various GSM/CDMA-MC/UMTS/LTE Technologies in 850 and

900 MHz Bands ..................................................................................................................................... 89

I.4 Coexistence studies from CEPT between GSM and other systems ............................................... 92

ANNEX J – References ..................................................................................................................................... 95

1

1 Introduction

This Handbook identifies International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and provides the general

information such as service requirements, application trends, system characteristics, and substantive

information on spectrum, regulatory issues, guideline for the evolution and migration, and core network

evolution on IMT.

This Handbook also addresses a variety of issues related to the deployment of IMT systems.

1.1 Purpose and scope

The purpose and scope of this Handbook is to provide general guidance to ITU Members, network operators

and other relevant parties on issues related to the deployment of IMT systems to facilitate decisions on selection

of options and strategies for introduction of their IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced networks.

The Handbook focuses on the technical, operational and spectrum related aspects of IMT systems, including

information on the deployment and technical characteristics of IMT as well as the services and applications

supported by IMT.

This Handbook updates previous information on IMT-2000 and include as well new information on

IMT-Advanced from Recommendation ITU-R M.2012. In addition, the work from Report ITU-R M.2243 –

Assessment of the global mobile broadband deployments and forecasts for International Mobile

Telecommunications, is referenced regarding any future considerations that are identified. This Handbook has

been and will continue to be a collaborative effort involving groups in the three ITU Sectors with ITU-R

Working Party 5D assuming the lead, coordinating role and responsibility for developing text for the terrestrial

aspects; with ITU-R Working Party 4B responsible for the satellite aspects, ITU-T Study Group 13 responsible

for the core network aspects and ITU-D Q.25/2 responsible for the developing countries aspects.

Special attention has been given to needs of developing countries responding to the first part of Question ITU-R

77/5 which decides that WP 5D should continue to study the urgent needs of developing countries for cost

effective access to the global telecommunication networks.

This Handbook also includes summary of deliverables and on-going activities of WP 5D in order to provide

an update for countries which are not able to attend WP 5D meetings.

1.2 Vocabulary of key terms used in this Handbook

Broadband Commission The Broadband Commission for Digital Development is composed of the

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations

Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Commission

embraces a range of different perspectives in a multistakeholder approach to

promoting the roll-out of broadband, as well as providing a fresh approach to UN

and business engagement.

IMT International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT) encompasses both IMT-2000

and IMT-Advanced collectively based on Resolution ITU-R 56

ITU International Telecommunication Union

ITU-R International Telecommunication Union – Radiocommunication Sector

ITU-T International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization

Sector

ITU-D International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Development

Sector

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

3GPP2 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2

2 Handbook on Global Trends in IMT

2 Usage trends and service requirements

2.1 Introduction

In order to understand current trends in IMT, it is important to consider and understand how mobile broadband

is being used and for what purposes (including key features of IMT technologies), and any special requirements

of developing countries. Together, these topics provide a foundation upon which to build a stronger

understanding of the topics discussed in subsequent sections of this Handbook. The following sections discuss

application trends (such as mobile Internet usage, video traffic, social networks, and machine-to-machine

traffic); market trends in traffic and devices; key features of each iteration of IMT technologies; the use of

IMT to serve urban, rural and remote areas; and considerations for developing countries, such as barriers to

access.

2.2 Usage trends

2.2.1 Mobile Internet usage

Mobile Internet usage has been growing rapidly on a worldwide basis over the past years. While the state of

mobile Internet usage can be measured in several ways, the growth – and projected growth – is perhaps most

striking when considering mobile data traffic volumes and data speeds. Ericsson, for example, has quantified

the total amount of monthly data traffic at approximately 1 800 petabytes in the third quarter of 20131. Adding

some perspective to that figure, the authors noted that the increase in mobile data traffic from the second

quarter of 2013 to the third quarter exceeded the total monthly mobile data traffic estimated in the fourth

quarter of 2009. In the latest one-year period of Ericsson’s analysis, mobile data traffic grew by approximately

80 percent. In 2013, the analysis noted that the total mobile Internet traffic generated by mobile handsets

exceeded that of laptops, tablets and mobile routers for the first time2. In another comparison, the Groupe

Spéciale Mobile Association (GSMA) noted that more mobile traffic was generated in 2012 than in all other

years combined3. Looking ahead, mobile devices are expected to continue to outpace other sources of Internet

usage. For example, when considering the sources of IP traffic over the world’s telecommunications networks,

Cisco estimated that nearly half will originate with non-PC devices by 2017, up from 26 percent in 20124.

Cisco further forecasted that while traffic originating on personal computers (PCs) will grow at a compound

annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14 percent, and machine-to-machine (M2M) traffic will grow at 79 percent,

tablets and mobile phones will see a growth rate of 104 percent4.

Globally, Cisco estimated that mobile data traffic will increase 13-fold between 2012 and 2017, at a CAGR of

66 percent, reaching 11.2 Exabyte per month by 20174. This rate would be three times faster than fixed traffic

over the same period. Smartphone technology and adoption have progressed rapidly in the last several years,

providing users with robust, mobile access to broadband services, and comprising the category that will likely

make up the bulk of mobile broadband subscriber devices. According to Ericsson’s most recent analysis,

smartphones accounted for approximately 55 percent of all mobile handsets sold in the third quarter of 2013,

while they made up approximately 40 percent of all handsets sold in all of 20125. The analysis also indicated

1 Ericsson, Ericsson Mobility Report: On the Pulse of the Networked Society (2013) at 10, available at

http://www.ericsson.com/res/docs/2013/ericsson-mobility-report-november-2013.pdf.



3 GSMA, The Mobile Economy 2015, available at

http://www.gsmamobileeconomy.com/GSMA_Global_Mobile_Economy_Report_2015.pdf.

4 Cisco, The Zettabyte Era – Trends and Analysis (2014), available at

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/service-provider/visual-networking-index-

vni/VNI_Hyperconnectivity_WP.html.



http://www.ericsson.com/res/docs/2013/ericsson-mobility-report-november-2013.pdf


http://www.gsmamobileeconomy.com/GSMA_Global_Mobile_Economy_Report_2015.pdf

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/service-provider/visual-networking-index-vni/VNI_Hyperconnectivity_WP.html



3

that there is significant room for additional growth, with only 25 to 30 percent of mobile phone subscriptions

associated with smartphones. Ericsson predicted that there were 1.9 billion smartphone subscriptions at the

end of 2013, but 5.6 billion by the end of 2019. When considering the introduction of long term evolution

(LTE) technology into smartphones, the growth has been quite rapid.

One analysis indicated that while approximately 5 percent of smartphones were LTE-enabled in July 2011, by

August 2013, more than 30 percent could take advantage of LTE networks6. Along with the growth in

smartphones, the speed of mobile connectivity continues to increase across the world as well as networks and

devices implement the latest technologies, such as LTE. Cisco noted that the average mobile network

connection speed in 2012 was 526 kbps, but was forecast to grow at a CAGR of 49 percent, and will exceed

3.9 Mbps in 2017. Average smartphone data rates are forecast to triple by 2017, reaching 6.5 Mbps7. There is

anecdotal evidence to support the idea that usage increases when speed increases, although there may be a

delay between the increase in network and device speed and the resultant increased usage, potentially a lag of

several years.

2.2.2 Mobile software application offerings (Apps)

A key driver of mobile data usage has been the rapid proliferation of software applications, commonly known

as “apps,” for use on smartphones and other mobile devices. Taking into consideration the two largest app

ecosystems, there were approximately 900 000 apps available for iOS (the operating system that powers

Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod devices) and approximately 800 000 apps available for Android (the operating

system for a wide range of mobile handsets and tablet devices)8. There is likely substantial overlap between

the ecosystems, with many developers releasing applications for both operating systems in order to reach the

largest potential customer bases. Both ecosystems have seen fairly steady growth in recent years, although the

rate of growth for Android applications has increased recently. Application download estimates vary widely.

ABI Research estimated that there would be a total of 56 billion smartphone apps downloaded in 2013

(including not just iOS and Android, but also Windows Phone and Blackberry), while Portio Research

estimated that 82 billion apps would be downloaded worldwide in 2013. Regardless of the exact number, it is

worth noting that this mobile app downloads are a relatively new phenomenon, having begun in earnest with

the launch of Apple’s App Store in 2008.

Similarly, the number of apps downloaded has increased rapidly. For example in 2010, an estimated five billion

iOS apps and 289,000 Android apps were downloaded, as compared to an estimated 48 billion iOS apps and

50 billion Android apps in early 2013. Applications are generally grouped into certain categories, with analysts

parsing network traffic to identify the amount of traffic generated by each group, as well as to forecast future

traffic patterns. Ericsson’s breakdown of current mobile application traffic percentages and a forecast for traffic

in 2019 are presented in Figure 1.

In particular, Ericsson expected that video content would continue to drive mobile data usage, representing

more than 50 percent of traffic by 2019.

6 Global Mobile Suppliers Association, “LTE: user device segmentation: 2011-2013,” (2013), available at

http://www.gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/LTE_user_device_segmentation_250813.php4.




8 Mobile Statistics, “Total apps available,” available at http://www.mobilestatistics.com/mobile-statistics/.

http://www.gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/LTE_user_device_segmentation_250813.php4



http://www.mobilestatistics.com/mobile-statistics/


FIGURE 1

Mobile application traffic, 2013 and 2019

Global Trends-01.

In 2013, video

accounts for 35%

of mobile data traffic

In 2019, video will

account for >50%

of mobile data traffic

Segment

File sharing

Video

Audio

Web browsing

Social networking

Software download and update

Other encrypted

Other

Social networking

accounts for 10%

in 2013 and 2019

Web browsing

accounts for

in 201310%

Source: Ericsson

As mobile network speeds and capacity continue to increase, mobile software applications are expanding to

take advantage of both. A GSMA and A.T. Kearny analysis forecasts that mobile data traffic will grow at a

CAGR of 66 percent between 2012 and 2017, reaching a monthly rate of 11 156 petabytes9. The GSMA

analysis predicted that several services will experience CAGR of more than 30 percent over the 2012-2017

period: VoIP (34 percent), gaming (62 percent), M2M (89 percent), file sharing (34 percent), data (55 percent)

as well as video (75 percent). The following sections examine some of these important drivers in more detail.

2.2.3 Video traffic

As noted in section 2.2.1, mobile data traffic has been growing at a rapid pace, and is expected to continue to

do so. The major driver of this growth is expected to be mobile video, which has been predicted to account for

more than 7 000 petabytes of monthly data traffic by 20179. Ericsson forecasted that mobile video traffic will

increase at an average annual rate of 55 percent through 2019, at which point it would account for more than

half of global mobile data traffic10.

Mobile video is increasingly becoming a mainstream activity among mobile broadband subscribers. As mobile

networks deploy technologies, such as HSPA and LTE, that are capable of delivering higher quality content at

higher speeds, it has become easier for mobile subscribers to consume content from a wider range of sources.

These sources include, but are not limited to, broadcast and cable television networks, YouTube and similar

video-sharing services, and content aggregators such as Apples iTunes, Google’s Google Play, Amazon.com,

Netflix, Hulu, Youku, iQiyi and others. As of January 2014, Google stated that mobile users made up nearly

40 percent of YouTube’s global “watch time”11. As a result, according to one analysis, as many as 41 percent

of people between the ages of 65 and 69 stream video content over fixed or mobile networks on at least a

weekly basis12. One possible development that may drive additional mobile video traffic is gaming. While

9 GSMA, The Mobile Economy 2015, available at

http://www.gsmamobileeconomy.com/GSMA_Global_Mobile_Economy_Report_2015.pdf.



11 YouTube, “Statistics”, available at http://www.youtube.com/yt/press/statistics.html, accessed on January 2

2014.



http://www.gsmamobileeconomy.com/GSMA_Global_Mobile_Economy_Report_2015.pdf


http://www.youtube.com/yt/press/statistics.html


5

currently, the data traffic volumes and speed requirements of many single or multi-player games available on

mobile devices are relatively low, there is some expectation that this situation will change in the future13. As

more games adopt elements such as multi-player features, high-definition content and video streaming, gaming

may become a more important driver of video traffic.

2.2.4 Social networks on mobile

Currently, social networking is estimated to account for approximately 10 percent of total mobile data traffic12.

Ericsson estimated that this share will remain constant through 2019, although social networking usage

increasingly will include more data-rich content, such as photographs and video12. When considering how

people use their mobile devices, social networking is already the second-largest generator of data traffic

volume. Between 2012 and 2013, Ericsson noted an increase in the percentage of social networking traffic on

smartphones14.

Importantly, the use of mobile handsets for social networking far exceeds such use on tablets and laptops,

where the percentage of mobile data traffic generated by social networking is below five percent, as shown in

Figure 2.

FIGURE 2

Application mobile data traffic volumes by device type (2013)

Global Trends- 20

File sharing

Video

Audio

Web browsing

Social networking

Software download and update

Other encrypted

Other

Real-time communications

Email

Mobile PC

Tablet

Smartphone

0% 20% 60% 80% 100%40%

40%

Using social networkingon smartphones, andwatching video ontablets and mobile Pcshas increased since 2012

50%

30%

Source: Ericsson

Considering how smartphone users spend time on their devices, Google data from 41 countries indicated that

more than half of all smartphone users use social networking at least monthly, and more than 25 percent do so

daily15. In 27 of those countries, more than 75 percent of smartphone users access social networks at least

monthly. An Ericsson analysis showed that social networking is the most popular activity among iOS and





15 Google, “Our Mobile Planet”, available at http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/mobileplanet/en/.



http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/mobileplanet/en/


Android smartphone users in the United States of America, accounting for 13.1 hours per month16. The next

most popular smartphone use in this analysis was entertainment, which was responsible for 8.5 hours of use

per month.

2.2.5 Machine-to-machine traffic

As mobile network coverage and capacity has expanded, and the cost of embedding connectivity into various

types of equipment has declined, the number of Internet-connected devices has grown rapidly. Many of these

devices are expected to continuously monitor some sort of situation or status, report information to users,

and/or communicate with each other. Depending on the definition used, M2M communications can include a

wide range of devices, such as remote sensors, “smart” electricity grids, Internet-connected appliances and

automobiles, and manufacturing equipment, just to name a few.

According to a 2012 OECD report, some firms using mobile networks to connect Internet-enabled devices

already had one million devices under management17. OnStar reportedly had more than 6 million devices

under its management at the time, or more than the total number of mobile subscribers in some countries.

There are a wide range of estimates regarding the potential number of Internet-connected devices. One widely

cited estimate stated that there may be as many as 50 billion mobile devices connected to the Internet by

202018. Other estimates are much lower. Of course, estimating future connectivity relies on a range of

definitions and forecasts that allow for significant variability in methodology. Regardless of the actual number

of M2M devices that are put into use, there is widespread agreement that there will be significant growth in

the market, which in turn is expected to drive additional traffic across the world’s mobile networks. Cisco

estimated that M2M communications will see a CAGR of 82 percent between 2012 and 201719.

2.2.6 Other drivers of future data traffic

The demand for mobile cloud services is expected to grow exponentially since the users are increasingly

adopting more services that are required to be accessible. The consequence is that the volume of mobile content

they generate cumulatively grows. Multimedia services captured on mobile devices will overwhelmingly carry

the greatest cloud computing and storage demand and the average size of these media files will grow

substantially as camera pixel resolution continues to increase (ARC Chart20 predicts that mobile-generated

content will consume 9 400 PB of cloud services by 2015).

It is expected that e-health, e-education and other e-government services will also be accessed by mobile

devices, which will contribute to improvements in social welfare.

Furthermore, cloud services are getting a lot of attention since, among other benefits, they save costs for

enterprises. These cloud services require guaranteed data communication between the clients and the

connected data centres hosting IT servers. As the number of mobile users connecting through the mobile

network to the cloud increase, the mobile data traffic will continuously grow.



17 OECD (2012), “Machine-to-Machine Communications: Connecting Billions of Devices”, OECD Digital

Economy Papers, No. 192 at 8, OECD Publishing. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/5k9gsh2gp043-en.

18 OECD (2012), “Machine-to-Machine Communications: Connecting Billions of Devices”, OECD Digital

Economy Papers, No. 192 at 8, OECD Publishing. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/5k9gsh2gp043-en.




20 ARC Chart Research Report on the mobile cloud: Market analysis and forecasts, June 2011.


http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/5k9gsh2gp043-en

http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/5k9gsh2gp043-en



7

As mobile software applications advance due to increasing processing power, mobile data traffic is expected

to increase21.

The cloud architecture is a relevant evolution of the provisioning of digital services and applications that has

to be considered when planning for the evolution of IMT technologies. Economic underpinnings of all these

technological developments is the ability to move data across borders to facilitate a number of key functions

such as; communication, information, content, e-commerce, M2M, etc. But even more the realities behind the

productions of mentioned functions e.g. the presence of global value chains must be recognized. This means

that in the B2B market, today’s complex ICT systems that are required to realize these new technologies and

functions rely on the ability of companies to develop, produce, integrate, manage and support these systems

from multiple territories and hence the ability to collaborate and exchange data across territories is absolutely

essential.

2.3 Market trends

2.3.1 Global IMT subscriber information from 2007 to 2013

According to the ITU, the number of mobile broadband subscriptions worldwide has surged from 268 million

in 2007 to 2.1 billion in 201322. The ITU also noted in 2013 that the number of mobile broadband subscriptions

in developing countries had more than doubled since 2011, from 472 million to 1.16 billion, surpassing the

number of subscriptions in developed countries22. There is still a substantial penetration gap between the

developed and developing countries, however. According to the ITU, 75 of every 100 developed country

inhabitants have an active mobile broadband subscription, as compared to 20 of every 100 inhabitants in

developing countries23. As noted by the Broadband Commission in its 2013 Report, The State of Broadband

2013: Universalizing Broadband, mobile broadband subscriptions surpassed fixed broadband subscriptions in

2008, and have shown an annual growth rate of approximately 30 percent24. That classifies mobile broadband

as having, according to the Broadband Commission, the highest growth rate of any ICT, exceeding fixed

broadband subscriptions by a ratio of 3:1 (up from 2:1 in 2010). When considering the growth of IMT

subscriptions, rapid growth is expected over the next several years. Ericsson data, illustrated in Figure 3,

indicated that the majority of subscriptions in North America and Western Europe were already IMT devices

in 2013, while IMT devices will comprise the majority of mobile subscriptions in all regions of the world

by 201925.

21 Report ITU-R M.2243 ˗ Assessment of the global mobile broadband deployments and forecasts for

International Mobile Telecommunications, section 3.10.

22 ITU, “The World in 2013: ICT Facts and Figures” (2013) at 6, available at

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/facts/ICTFactsFigures2013-e.pdf.

23 ITU, “The World in 2013: ICT Facts and Figures” (2013) at 6, available at

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/facts/ICTFactsFigures2013-e.pdf.

24 Broadband Commission, The State of Broadband 2013: Universalizing Broadband (2013) at 12, available

at http://www.broadbandcommission.org/Documents/bb-annualreport2013.pdf.



http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/facts/ICTFactsFigures2013-e.pdf

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/facts/ICTFactsFigures2013-e.pdf

http://www.broadbandcommission.org/Documents/bb-annualreport2013.pdf



FIGURE 3

Mobile subscriptions by technology, 2013 and 2019

Global Trends- 30

Mobile subscriptions

Nor th

Am

eric

aLat

in

Am

eric

a

Wes

tern

Eu ro

pe

Cen

tr al

and

East e

n Eur

ope

Mid

dle

East

and

Af r

ica

Asia

Pac

if ic

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

2013 2019

85%LTE

2013 2019 2013 2019 2013 2019 2013 2019 2013 2019

40%WCDMA/HSPA

70%GSM/EDGE

70%WCDMA/HSPA

55%LTE

70%WCDMA/HSPA

70%GSM/EDGE

70%WCDMA/HSPA

80%GSM/EDGE

70%WCDMA/HSPA

70%GSM/EDGE 45%

WCDMA/HSPA

LTE/HSPA/GSM and LTE/CDMA

HSPA/GSM

GSM/EDGE-only

TD-SCDMA/GSM

CDMA-only

Other

85% 80%of North Americanmobile subscriptionswill be LTE by 2019

of Middle East and Africasubscriptions are 2G in2013. The same numberwill be 3G/4G in 2019

Source: Ericsson

2.3.2 Device Type

As mobile broadband connectivity continues to spread and also to increase its capacity and speeds, a growing

number of device types have been developed to serve differing user needs. When considering devices

supporting LTE, for example, the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) stated in November 2013 that

smartphones comprise the largest LTE device category, including 455 models (including variants developed

specifically for certain operators and/or frequencies), or 36 percent of all LTE device types26. LTE-capable

tablets and personal hotspots are also fast-growing segments of the device ecosystem.

Global Trends- 40

102

93

30

1

8

455

385

165

1

LTE user devices (November 2013)

Modules

Tablets

Notebooks

PC cards

Femtocells

Smartphones

Routers/personal hotspots

Dongles

Cameras

26 Global Mobile Suppliers Association, Report: Status of the LTE Ecosystem (November 7, 2013) at 2,

available at http://www.gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/GSA_lte_ecosystem_report_071113.php4.

http://www.gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/GSA_lte_ecosystem_report_071113.php4

9

According to Ericsson, the market peak for basic or feature mobile phone subscriptions was in 2012. Their

analysis estimated that there were 1.9 billion smartphone subscriptions by the end of 2013, and that this figure

will increase to 5.6 billion subscriptions by the end of 201927. The growth in smartphone subscriptions was

forecast to come primarily as users exchange their basic phones for smartphones in Africa, Asia and the Middle

East over the next several years, due in part to the availability of lower-cost devices. Laptops, tablets and

mobile router subscriptions will continue to grow as well, from 300 million in 2013 to 800 million in 2019.

Ericsson also predicted significant regional differences, with smartphones comprising almost all handsets sold

in Western Europe and North America in 2019, compared to 50 percent of handset subscriptions in the Middle

East and Africa27.

2.3.3 Network and user experience improvement

As mobile data traffic demand continues to grow, mobile network operators are spending heavily to upgrade

their networks in order to increase their capacity and improve the user experience. One analysis estimated that

operators would spend USD 8.7 billion on LTE network upgrades alone in 2012, rising to USD 24 billion in

2013 and USD 36 billion by 201528. One of the most commonly considered measures of user experience is

average mobile network speed. According to Cisco, speeds will increase across all regions and all device types

between now and 201729. Globally, the average mobile network connection speed in 2012 was 526 kbps. This

average will grow at a CAGR of 49 percent, and will exceed 3.9 Mbps in 2017.

Smartphone speeds, generally on IMT networks, are currently almost four times higher than the overall

average, and are forecast to triple by 2017, reaching 6.5 Mbps. Across all regions, Cisco estimates that average

mobile data speeds will increase at a CAGR of at least 36 percent through 2017, with the Middle East and

Africa increasing at a CAGR of 68 percent.

IMT technology has become widespread in global mobile networks. With the commercialization of LTE

technology in recent years, operators are rapidly moving to upgrade their networks. As of December 2013,

there were 244 LTE networks in 92 countries worldwide. Slightly more than a year earlier, there were 113

networks in 51 countries30. In October 2011, there were only 35 commercial networks in 21 countries31. The

LTE deployment trend coincides with a relative slowing in HSPA deployments, as the HSPA upgrade

momentum began to level off and operators redirected their capital expenditures toward LTE. As of December

2013, there were 532 HSPA networks in operation, with more than 63 percent of operators having launched

HSPA+ networks32. A year earlier, there were 482 commercial HSPA networks, with 52 percent of HSPA

operators having launched HSPA+, and in 2011 there were 424 commercial networks with 36 percent having

launched HSPA33.



28 IHS, LTE Expected to Dominate Wireless Infrastructure Spending by 2013 (January 2012).




30 GSA, Evolution to LTE Report (November 2, 2012), available at

http://gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/GSA_Evolution_to_LTE_report_011112.php4.

31 GSA, Evolution to LTE Report rev. 2 (October 12, 2011), available at

http://gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/gsa_evolution_to_lte_report_121011.php4.

32 GSA, “3GPP systems mobile broadband wallchart,” (December 2, 2013), available at

http://gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/3GPP_systems_mobile_broadband_wallchart_111213.php4.

33 GSA, “3GPP systems mobile broadband wallchart,” (November 2012), available at

http://gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/MBB_wallchart_November_2012.php4 and “Mobile Broadband

Wallchart: 3GPP Systems,” (November 7, 2011), available at

http://gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/MBB_wallchart_071111.php4.




http://gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/GSA_Evolution_to_LTE_report_011112.php4

http://gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/gsa_evolution_to_lte_report_121011.php4

http://gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/3GPP_systems_mobile_broadband_wallchart_111213.php4

http://gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/MBB_wallchart_November_2012.php4

http://gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/MBB_wallchart_071111.php4


The evolution of IMT systems has continuously increased the data rates available to mobile broadband users.

Technologies have continued to increase peak data speeds with each iteration and new technology.

Advances in technology alone, however, sometimes cannot support the rapid growth rates that are being seen

in mobile data use. This is particularly true in urban areas around the world. Thus, operators and regulators

worldwide are trying to make additional spectrum available for mobile broadband, particularly by making new

bands of spectrum available. For example, the transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting can

result in a “digital dividend” of spectrum that was formerly used for broadcasting but that now can be made

available for other uses. Most countries around the world have either started a process to make that spectrum

available for mobile broadband or are planning to do so. The majority of such transitions are expected to be

completed in the next 10 years.

2.3.4 Policy initiatives to promote mobile broadband

Governments and multilateral organizations are taking a variety of approaches to promote mobile broadband

such as the development of National Broadband Plan. While each country faces unique challenges to increasing

mobile broadband adoption, certain general trends or approaches can be applied in many cases. Mobile

broadband initiatives are often developed as subsets of plans intended to increase broadband adoption more

generally. As such, policy approaches that may improve mobile broadband adoption may closely track those

approaches employed to increase fixed broadband adoption.

In other cases, as in many developing countries, mobile broadband is the primary (or only) broadband option

available to many individuals and communities. Policy approaches intended to increase mobile broadband

supply can include:

– setting concrete, measurable objectives for improving the supply of broadband through

infrastructure build-out, including deployment of and upgrades to mobile networks;

– ensuring availability and efficient use of spectrum for mobile services, including flexible

spectrum use;

– ensuring competitive, efficient and transparent markets;

– ensuring equitable access to broadband for all; and

– encouraging investment in mobile networks, services and applications.

One of these approaches is to promote the deployment of mobile networks operating in frequency bands below

1 GHz, as the main solution to facilitate provision of broadband mobile services in unserved areas.

Policy approaches intended to increase demand for mobile broadband can include:

– promoting demand for broadband services and applications;

– considering if there is a need for, and an appropriate mechanism to deliver, subsidies for devices

and/or service fees, perhaps through a universal access or universal service program;

– making useful information and services available to mobile device users (e.g. m-government,

m-health, m-banking); and

– educating users and potential users on the benefits of mobile broadband-enabled services.

The Broadband Commission, while not focusing on mobile broadband specifically, recently proposed policy

approaches intended to improve access to broadband that are applicable to the mobile sector. For example, the

Commission’s 2013 report, as part of its goal of universalizing broadband, suggested establishing adequate

spectrum policies and reasonable spectrum allocations, as well as ensuring stable legal and regulatory

frameworks to foster and incentivize investments, and creating an environment for sustainable competition34.

In the same discussion, the report noted the importance of establishing a national broadband plan to guide

broadband development. Among the other Broadband Commission policy recommendations applicable

34 Broadband Commission, The State of Broadband 2013: Universalizing Broadband (2013) at 40, available

at http://www.broadbandcommission.org/Documents/bb-annualreport2013.pdf.

http://www.broadbandcommission.org/Documents/bb-annualreport2013.pdf

11

to mobile services are to focus on making broadband affordable and to improve penetration, which will go

hand-in-hand.

The first Broadband Commission report, A 2010 Leadership Imperative: The Future Built on Broadband, noted

among its recommendations the need for national policy objectives to include the provision of broadband-

enabled services and applications for vulnerable, disadvantaged and remote populations, among others35.

Particularly with respect to remote populations, mobile technology provides a key means – and perhaps the

only economically feasible means – by which to reach these groups.

2.4 Key features of IMT

2.4.1 Key features of IMT-2000

Key features of IMT-2000 are:

– high degree of commonality of design worldwide;

– compatibility of services within IMT-2000 and with the fixed networks;

– high quality;

– small terminal for worldwide use;

– worldwide roaming capability;

– capability for multimedia applications, and a wide range of services and terminals.

Recommendation ITU-R M.1457 identifies the IMT-2000 terrestrial radio interface specifications. These radio

interfaces support the features and design parameters of IMT-2000, including the above mentioned features,

such as capability to ensure worldwide compatibility, international roaming, and access to high-speed data

services.

2.4.2 Key features of IMT Advanced

Key features of IMT-Advanced are:

– high degree of commonality of functionality worldwide while retaining the flexibility to support

a wide range of services and applications in a cost-efficient manner;

– compatibility of services within IMT and with fixed networks;

– capability of interworking with other radio access systems;

– high-quality mobile services;

– user equipment suitable for worldwide use;

– user-friendly applications, services and equipment;

– worldwide roaming capability;

– enhanced peak data rates to support advanced services and applications (100 Mbps for high and

1 Gbps for low mobility)36.

These features enable IMT-Advanced to address evolving user needs.

Recommendation ITU-R M.2012 identifies the terrestrial radio interface technologies of IMT-Advanced and

provides the detailed radio interface specifications. These radio interface specifications detail the features and

parameters of IMT-Advanced, including the above mentioned features, such as the capability to ensure

worldwide compatibility, international roaming, and access to high-speed data services.

35 Broadband Commission, A 2010 Leadership Imperative: The Future Built on Broadband (2010) at 57,

available at http://www.broadbandcommission.org/Documents/publications/Report_1.pdf.

36 Data rates sourced from Recommendation ITU-R M.1645.

http://www.broadbandcommission.org/Documents/publications/Report_1.pdf


2.5 Servicing urban, rural and remote areas

A number of Mobile Broadband (MBB) systems and applications, based on different standards, are available

and the suitability of each depends on usage (fixed vs. nomadic/mobile), and performance and geographic

requirements, among others. In countries where wired infrastructure is not well established, MBB systems can

be more easily deployed to deliver services to population bases in dense urban environments as well as those

in more remote areas. Some users may only require broadband Internet access for short-ranges whereas other

users may require broadband access over longer distances. Moreover, these same users may require that their

MBB applications be nomadic, mobile, fixed or a combination of all three.

In sum, there are a number of multi-access solutions and the choice of which to implement will depend on the

interplay of requirements, the use of various technologies to meet these requirements, the availability of

spectrum (licensed vs. unlicensed), and the scale of network required for the delivery of MBB applications and

services (local vs. metropolitan area networks)37.

2.6 Use of IMT for specialist applications

In this Handbook, the use of IMT for Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) is considered. Some other

special applications can be considered in the future if appropriate.

2.6.1 Use of IMT for PPDR applications

Report ITU-R M.2291 addresses the current and possible future use of international mobile

telecommunications (IMT) including the use of long term evolution (LTE) in support of broadband PPDR

communications as outlined in relevant ITU-R Resolutions, Recommendations and Reports. The Report

further provides examples for deploying IMT for PPDR radiocommunications, case studies and scenarios of

IMT systems to support broadband PPDR applications such as data and video. PPDR is defined in

Resolution 646 (Rev.WRC-12) through a combination of the terms “public protection radiocommunication”

and “disaster relief radiocommunication”. The first term refers to “radiocommunications used by responsible

agencies and organizations dealing with maintenance of law and order, protection of life and property and

emergency situations”. The second term refers to “radiocommunications used by agencies and organizations

dealing with a serious disruption of the functioning of society, posing a significant widespread threat to human

life, health, property or the environment, whether caused by accident, natural phenomena or human activity,

and whether developing suddenly or as a result of complex, long-term processes”. A number of studies of

PPDR radiocommunications have been carried out within the ITU, based on Resolution 646 (Rev.WRC-12)

and Report ITU-R M.2033.

2.7 Considerations for developing countries

IMT and mobile phones have long surpassed fixed connections in most developing countries, and many

broadband services in developing countries are being delivered by IMT. For some people in developing

countries, their first and only access to the Internet will be via an IMT device.

Such connectivity, combined with affordable IMT smart phones, provides opportunities to empower

individuals across society. For example, with IMT devices, doctors are remotely monitoring cardiac patients

in rural villages; farmers are accessing weather information and sales prices to increase their income and

improve their standard of living; women entrepreneurs are lifting themselves out of poverty by harnessing the

economic benefits of wireless to start businesses and access banking services; and children everywhere can

access educational content in and out of the classroom, 24 hours a day. While we are seeing tremendous

benefits in key areas such as education, healthcare and commerce, more needs to be done in many social areas

to support development agenda. The IMT smart phone is the most largely implemented technological platform

in history, and its potential to significantly improve people’s lives is just starting to be realized.

Advantages of M2M (Machine-to-machine) applications and IOT (Internet of things) enabled through IMT

networks can also help developing countries bridge the digital divide.

37 LMH-BWA.

13

The 2013 Annual Broadband Commission Report (Table 3, Source: Inter-American Development Bank)

contains a list of special requirements/barriers faced by developing countries and offers examples of strategies

to overcome such barriers.

Barriers to Access and Public Policies to overcome Barriers

Barrier/obstacle Examples of strategies to overcome the barriers

1 Low levels of purchasing power in

certain rural and sub-urban areas

• Subsidies to the benefit of end-users, to ensure broadband adoption, once

access is secured

• Discounted offers from operators to end-users

• Telecentres for shared use to kick- start broadband markets

• Public-private partnerships (PPPs)

2 Limited financial resources available

via some USFs

• Policy-makers should work with operators, depending on local needs and

government funding, to ensure USF is properly sourced and effective

• Support (e.g. from international agencies) for ad-hoc projects

• Priority given to UAS projects based on strict and clear criteria

3 The low levels of ICT skills of some

of the population

• ICT training

• Connecting up educational establishments

• ICT lessons in schools and universities, and

• ICT equipment furnished at low or no cost

4 The lack of basic commodities

(water, electricity, etc.)

• Telecentres open to the public where access to commodities is guaranteed

• Wi-Fi access in public spaces where access to commodities is guaranteed

5 The limited availability of consumer

electronic equipment

• Distribution of equipment directly, or subsidies for consumer electronic

equipment by poor households

• Review import duty regimes to ensure they are effective

• Equipment approval (supply) policies should not be too onerous or

restrictive

6 High tax rates on telecom services

or equipment

• Targeted tax and import duty reductions on broadband services and

devices, including removal of luxury taxes

7 Lack of infrastructure/ high costs of

deployment

• National broadband plan, including roll-out of a mutualized national

backbone, as well as in-building infrastructure

• Grants to operators to build out infrastructure

• Sharing of infrastructure and works

8 Administrative delays in

authorizations to deploy new

infrastructure

• Involve relevant agencies and Ministries early

• Streamline licensing procedures

• Eliminate red-tape and delays

• Remove barriers and obstacles to owning land

9 Limited economic growth in certain

areas

• Ongoing subsidy programs on the demand side, following investment on

the supply side

10 Limitations in amount of spectrum

available

• Streamline spectrum licensing and re-farming practices

• Implementation of the digital switch-over

• More effective policies for spectrum allocation/assignment

11 Limited availability of relevant local

content

• Subsidies and awards for the development of local content

• Development of e-government services, open government/freedom of

information policies


In addition, ITU-D Report “Access technology for broadband telecommunications including IMT, for

developing countries”38 provides developing countries with an understanding of the different technologies

available for broadband access in urban, rural and remote areas using both wired and wireless technologies for

terrestrial and satellite telecommunications, including IMT. The Report covers technical issues involved in

deploying broadband access technologies by identifying the factors influencing the effective deployment of

such technologies, as well as their applications, with a focus on technologies and standards that are recognized

or under study within ITU-R and ITU-T.

3 IMT system characteristics, technologies and standards

3.1 Introduction

International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) encompasses both IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced

collectively based on Resolution ITU-R 56.

The capabilities of IMT systems are being continuously enhanced in line with user trends and technology

developments.

Recommendations ITU-R M.1457 and ITU-R M.2012 contain, respectively, the detailed specifications of the

terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced.

3.2 IMT system concepts and objectives

IMT system concepts

IMT-2000, third generation mobile systems started service around the year 2000, and IMT systems provide

access by means of one or more radio links to a wide range of telecommunication services including advanced

mobile services, supported by fixed networks (e.g. PSTN/Internet), which are increasingly packet-based, and

other services specific to mobile users.

It is described in the Recommendation ITU-R M.1645 that the framework of the future development of

IMT-2000 and systems beyond IMT-2000 for the radio access network is based on the global user and

technology trends, including the needs of developing countries.

International Mobile Telecommunications – Advanced (IMT-Advanced) is a mobile system that includes the

new capabilities of IMT that go beyond those of IMT-2000.

The term “IMT-Advanced” is applied to those systems, system components, and related aspects that include

new radio interface(s) that support the new capabilities of systems beyond IMT-200039.

IMT-Advanced systems provide enhanced peak data rates to support advanced services and applications

(100 Mbit/s for high and 1 Gbit/s for low mobility were established as targets for research)40.

IMT-Advanced systems have capabilities for high-quality multimedia applications within wide range of

services and platforms, providing a significant improvement in performance and quality of current services,

and support low to high mobility applications and a wide range of data rates in accordance with user and

service demands in multiple user environments.

The capabilities of IMT-Advanced systems are being continuously enhanced in line with technology

developments.

38 ITU-D Report “Access technology for broadband telecommunications including IMT, for developing

countries”, available at http://www.itu.int/pub/D-STG-SG02.25-2014.

39 As described in Recommendation ITU-R M.1645, systems beyond IMT-2000 will encompass the

capabilities of previous systems, and the enhancement and future developments of IMT-2000 that fulfil the

criteria in resolves 2 of Resolution ITU-R 56 may also be part of IMT-Advanced.

40 Data rates sourced from Recommendation ITU-R M.1645.

http://www.itu.int/pub/D-STG-SG02.25-2014

15

The future development of IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced is foreseen to address the need for higher data rates

than those of currently deployed IMT.

The global operation and economy of scale are key requirements for the success of mobile telecommunication

systems. It is desirable to agree on a harmonized time-frame for developing common technical, operational

and spectrum-related parameters of systems, taking account of relevant IMT-2000 and other experience.

Maximizing the commonality between IMT-Advanced air interfaces may lead to reduced complexity and a

lower incremental cost of multi-mode terminals.

Objectives

Objectives of IMT-2000 are defined in Recommendation ITU-R M.687 – IMT-2000, and were finally revised

in 1997, including general objectives, technical objectives, and operational objectives. For more details please

refer to the original Recommendation.

Objectives of the future development of IMT-2000 and systems beyond IMT-2000 are also summarized in

Recommendation ITU-R M.1645 from the view point of multiple perspectives as in the next table taken from

section 4.2.2 of Recommendation ITU-R M.1645 as follows:

Objectives from multiple perspectives

Perspective Objectives

END USER

Ubiquitous mobile access

Easy access to applications and services

Appropriate quality at reasonable cost

Easily understandable user interface

Long equipment and battery life

Large choice of terminals

Enhanced service capabilities

User-friendly billing capabilities

CONTENT PROVIDER

Flexible billing capabilities

Ability to adapt content to user requirements depending on terminal, location and user

preferences

Access to a very large marketplace through a high similarity of application programming

interfaces

SERVICE PROVIDER

Fast, open service creation, validation and provisioning

Quality of service (QoS) and security management

Automatic service adaptation as a function of available data rate and type of terminal


NETWORK

OPERATOR

Optimization of resources (spectrum and equipment)

QoS and security management

Ability to provide differentiated services

Flexible network configuration

Reduced cost of terminals and network equipment based on global economies of scale

Smooth transition from IMT-2000 to systems beyond IMT-2000

Maximization of sharing capabilities between IMT-2000 and systems beyond IMT-2000

Single authentication (independent of the access network)


Access type selection optimizing service delivery

MANUFACTURER/

APPLICATION

DEVELOPER

Reduced cost of terminals and network equipment based on global economies of scale

Access to a global marketplace

Open physical and logical interfaces between modular and integrated subsystems

Programmable platforms that enable fast and low-cost development


3.3 IMT architecture and standards

Recommendation ITU-R M.1645 defines the framework and overall objectives of the future development of

IMT-2000 and systems beyond IMT-2000 for the radio access network based on the global user and technology

trends, and the needs of developing countries.

Since the year of 2000, the technical specifications of IMT-2000 have been continually enhanced.

IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced are defined by a set of interdependent ITU Recommendations which are

referred to in this Handbook.

There are a number of other ITU-R Recommendations for IMT (Recommendations ITU-R M.1036,

ITU-R M.1580, ITU-R M.1581, ITU-R M.1579, etc.) that provide relevant implementation aspects enabling

the most effective and efficient use and deployment of systems – while minimizing the impact on other systems

or services in these and in adjacent bands – and facilitating the growth of IMT systems41.

For more information on ITU-R Recommendations and Reports please refer to Annex B.

3.3.1 IMT Radio Access Network and standards

Recommendations ITU-R M.1457 and ITU-R M.2012 provide, respectively, the detailed specifications of the

terrestrial radio interfaces of International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) and International

Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT-Advanced). These Recommendations provide specific

information regarding the air interfaces that are used in the terrestrial IMT networks.

Recommendation ITU-R M.1457 contains overviews and detailed specifications of each of the IMT-2000 radio

interfaces:

– (Section 5.1) IMT-2000 CDMA Direct Spread

– (Section 5.2) IMT-2000 CDMA Multi-Carrier

– (Section 5.3) IMT-2000 CDMA TDD

– (Section 5.4) IMT-2000 TDMA Single-Carrier

– (Section 5.5) IMT-2000 FDMA/TDMA

– (Section 5.6) IMT-2000 OFDMA TDD WMAN.

Recommendation ITU-R M.2012 contains detailed specifications of the terrestrial radio interfaces of

International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced. The Recommendation includes both overviews and

detailed specifications of the two IMT-Advanced radio interfaces:

– (Annex 1) Specification of the LTE-Advanced radio interface technology.

– (Annex 2) Specification of the WirelessMAN-Advanced radio interface technology.

3.3.1.1 IMT-2000

3.3.1.1.1 IMT-2000 CDMA Direct Spread

This section includes CDMA Direct Spread and E-UTRAN.

41 Recommendations ITU-R M.1457 and ITU-R M.2012 are two separate, independent, and self-contained

Recommendations, each one with a specific Scope. Both Recommendations will evolve independently, and

there could be some overlap reflected by commonality in content between the two documents.

17

CDMA Direct Spread

The IMT-2000 radio-interface specifications for CDMA Direct Spread technology are developed by a

partnership of SDOs42. This radio interface is called Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) FDD or

Wideband CDMA (WCDMA).

The overall architecture of the radio access network is shown in Figure 4. The architecture of this radio

interface consists of a set of radio network subsystems (RNS) connected to the core network (CN) through the

Iu interface. An RNS consists of a radio network controller (RNC) and one or more entities called Node B.

Node B is connected to the RNC through the Iub interface. Each NodeB can handle one or more cells. The

RNC is responsible for the handover decisions that require signalling to the user equipment (UE). In case

macro diversity between different Node Bs is to be supported, the RNC comprises a combining/splitting

function to support this. Node B can comprise an optional combining/splitting function to support macro

diversity within a Node B. The RNCs of the RNS can be interconnected through the Iur interface. Iu and Iur

are logical interfaces, i.e. the Iur interface can be conveyed over a direct physical connection between RNCs

or via any suitable transport network.

FIGURE 4

Radio access network architecture

(Cells are indicated by ellipses)

Global Trends- 40.

Iu Iu

Iur

Iub

Iub

Iub

Iub

RNC RNC

RNSRNS

UE

Node B Node B Node B Node B

CN

E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network = LTE)

E-UTRAN has been introduced for the evolution of the radio-access technology towards a high-data-rate,

low-latency and packet-optimized radio-access technology.

E-UTRAN supports scalable bandwidth operation below 5 MHz bandwidth options up to 20 MHz in both the

uplink and downlink. Harmonization of paired and unpaired operation is highly considered to avoid

unnecessary fragmentation of technologies.

42 Currently, these specifications are developed within the third generation partnership project (3GPP) where

the participating SDOs are the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB), China

Communications Standards Association (CCSA), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute

(ETSI), Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS Committee T1P1),

Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) and Telecommunication Technology Committee

(TTC).


The radio access network architecture of E-UTRAN consists of the evolved UTRAN Node Bs (eNBs). eNBs

host the functions for radio resource management, IP header compression and encryption of user data stream,

etc. eNBs are interconnected with each other and connected to an Evolved Packet Core (EPC).

The E-UTRAN radio access network consists of eNBs, providing the user plane (PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY) and

control plane (RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE. The eNBs are interconnected with each other by

means of the X2 interface. The eNBs are also connected by means of the S1 interface to the EPC (Evolved

Packet Core), and more specifically to the MME (Mobility Management Entity) by means of the S1-C and to

the S-GW (Serving Gateway) by means of the S1-U. The S1 interface supports a many-to-many relation

between MMEs/Serving Gateways and eNBs.

The E-UTRAN radio access network architecture is illustrated in Figure 5.

FIGURE 5

Overall architecture

Global Trends- 50

MME/S-GW

eNB

eNB

E-UTRAN

eNB

MME/S-GW

X2

X2

X2

S1

S1 S

1

S1

The eNB hosts the following functions:

– functions for Radio Resource Management: Radio Bearer Control, Radio Admission Control,

Connection Mobility Control, Dynamic allocation of resources to UEs in both uplink and

downlink (scheduling);

– IP header compression and encryption of user data stream;

– selection of an MME at UE attachment;

– routing of User Plane data towards S-GW;

– scheduling and transmission of paging messages (originated from the MME);

– scheduling and transmission of broadcast information (originated from the MME or O&M);

– measurement and measurement reporting configuration for mobility and scheduling.

The MME hosts the following functions:

– NAS signalling;

– NAS signalling security;

– Inter CN node signalling for mobility between 3GPP access networks;

– Idle mode UE Reachability (including control and execution of paging retransmission);

– Tracking Area list management (for UE in idle and active mode);

– PDN GW and Serving GW selection;

– MME selection for handovers with MME change;

– SGSN selection for handovers to GSM or IMT-2000 3GPP access networks;

19

– Roaming;

– Authentication;

– Bearer management functions including dedicated bearer establishment.

3.3.1.1.2 IMT-2000 CDMA Multi-Carrier

The IMT-2000 radio interface specifications for CDMA multi-carrier (MC) technology are developed by a

partnership of SDOs (3GPP2)43. This radio interface is called cdma2000.

cdma2000 1xRTT and High Rate Packet Data (HRPD) Access Network Architecture

Figures 6 and 7 below show the relationship among network components in support of Mobile Station (MS)

originations, MS terminations, and direct Base Station (BS) to Base Station (BS) soft/softer handoff operations.

These two Figures also depict a logical architecture that does not imply any particular physical implementation.

The InterWorking Function (IWF) for circuit-oriented data calls is assumed to be located at the circuit-switched

Mobile Switching Center (MSC), and the SDU (Selection/Distribution Unit) function is considered to be

co-located with the source BSC (Base Station Controller).

FIGURE 6

Reference Model for Circuit-Switched cdma2000 Access Network Interfaces

Global Trends- 60.

Aquinter Referencepoint

Switch

A1Signaling

A2User traffic

Call control,

mobility

management

MSC

A3 (user traffic)

A5User traffic

A7 (signaling)

A3 (signaling) A9 (signaling)

Source

BS

(This interface is not includedin this specification.)

A10 (user traffic)

A11 (signaling)

A8 (user traffic)

Target BS

A Reference point

IWF

Ater Referencepoint


BTS

BSC PCF PDSNBSC

BTS

SDU and

XC

Functions

SDU and

XCFunctions

43 Currently, these specifications are developed within the Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2),

where the participating SDOs are ARIB, CCSA, TIA, TTA and TTC.


FIGURE 7

Reference Model for Packet-based cdma2000 Access Network Interfaces

Global Trends- 70.


MGW

A1p Signaling

A2pUser traffic

Call control,

mobilitymanagement

MSCe

A3 (user traffic)

A7 (signaling)

A3 (signaling) A9 (signaling)

Source

BS

A10 (user traffic)

A11 (signaling)

A8 (user traffic)

Target BS

Ater Referencepoint


BTS

BSC PCF PDSNBSC

BTS

SDU

SDU

48 27

The interfaces defined in Figures 6 and 7 provide:

– bearer (user traffic) connections (A2, A2p, A3 (traffic), A5, A8, and A10);

– a signalling connection between the channel element component of the target BS and the SDU

function in the source BS (A3 signalling);

– a direct BS to BS signalling connection (A7);

– a signalling connection between the BS and the circuit-switched MSC (A1);

– a signalling connection between the BS and the MSCe (A1p);

– a signalling connection between the BS and PCF (A9); and

– a signalling connection between a PCF and PDSN pair (A11). A11 signalling messages are also

used for passing accounting related and other information from the PCF to the PDSN.

In general, the functions specified on the interfaces are based on the premise that the interfaces carry signalling

information that traverses the following logical paths:

– between the BS and MSC only (e.g. BS management information);

– between the MS and the MSC via the BS (e.g. the BS maps air interface messages to the A1 or

A1p interface);

– between the BS and other network elements via the MSC;

– between the source BS and the target BS;

– between the BS and the PCF;

– between the PCF and the PDSN; and

– between the MS and the PDSN (e.g. authorization information and Mobile Internet Protocol

(MIP) signalling).

21

cdma2000 Evolved High Rate Packet Data (eHRPD) Access Network Architecture

The eHRPD IOS (Interoperability Specification) messaging and call flows are based on the Architecture

Reference Model shown in Figure 844 and in Figure 945. In the Figures, solid lines indicate signalling and bearer

and dashed lines indicate only signalling.

The eHRPD call flows include the E-UTRAN and other 3GPP access entities (S-GW, P-GW, HSS and PCRF).

Refer to TS 23.402 [1] for the architecture model and descriptions of these network entities and associated

interfaces.

FIGURE 8

Session Control and Mobility Management in the evolved Access Network

Global Trends- 80.

Air interface

Source AN/

eAN

Target AN/eAN

IWS

function

RT

A21A21A1/A1p

A1/A1p

A1/A1pIWS

function

IWSfunction

1 BS

SC/MM

function

AT/eAT

MSC/MSCe

A16A13 A17

SC/MM

function

A18 A19A24

PCF/

ePCF

A10

AN AAA

MME

PDSN/

HSGWA11A9

A12

A8

S101

44 The Interworking Solution (IWS) Function in Figure 8 may be collocated at either the 1x Base Station (BS)

or at the HRPD eAN, or may be a standalone entity. When the IWS function is collocated at the 1x BS, the

A21 interface is supported between the 1x BS and the HRPD eAN, and the A1/A1p interface is supported

between the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) and the 1x BS. When the IWS function is part of the HRPD

eAN, the A1/A1p interface between the MSC and the HRPD eAN exists, and the A21 interface is internal

to the HRPD eAN. When the IWS is a standalone entity, the A1/A1p interface is supported between the

MSC and the IWS, and the A21 interface is supported between the IWS and the HRPD eAN. PDSN and

HSGW functions may not be in the same physical entity.

45 The IWS Function in Figure 9 may be collocated at either the 1x BS or at the HRPD ePCF, or may be a

standalone entity. When the IWS function is collocated at the 1x BS, the A21 interface is supported between

the 1x BS and the HRPD ePCF, and the A1/A1p interface is supported between the MSC and the 1x BS.

When the IWS function is part of the HRPD ePCF, the A1/A1p interface between the MSC and the HRPD

ePCF exists, and the A21 interface is internal to the HRPD ePCF. When the IWS is a standalone entity, the

A1/A1p interface is supported between the MSC and the IWS, and the A21 interface is supported between

the IWS and the HRPD ePCF. PDSN and HSGW functions may not be in the same physical entity.


FIGURE 9

Session Control and Mobility Management in the evolved Packet Control Function

Global Trends- 90.

IWS

function IWS

function

IWS

function

MME

SC/MMfunction

Target PCF/

ePCF

Air interface

Target AN/eAN RT

AT/eAT

PDSN/

HSGW

AN AAA

SC/MMfunction

MSC/MSCe

Source AN/eAN

Source PCF/

ePCF

A21

A1/A1p

A1/A1p

A21

A8

A9A10

A101

A11

A12A24A13A15

A20

A16 A17A18A19

A1/A1p

1 BS

A14

3.3.1.1.3 IMT-2000 CDMA TDD

The IMT-2000 radio interface specifications for CDMA TDD technology are developed by a partnership of

standards development organizations (SDOs)46. This radio interface is called the Universal Terrestrial Radio

Access (UTRA) time division duplex (TDD), where three options, called 1.28 Mchip/s TDD (TD-SCDMA)47,

3.84 Mchip/s TDD and 7.68 Mchip/s TDD can be distinguished. E-UTRAN TDD has been introduced for the

evolution of UTRAN TDD towards high data rate, low latency and packet optimized radio access technology.

For the IMT-2000 CDMA TDD RAN overall architecture please refer to Figure 4 above. For the E-UTRA

TDD RAN overall architecture please refer to Figure 5.

3.3.1.1.4 IMT-2000 TDMA Single-Carrier

The IMT-2000 TDMA single-carrier radio interface specifications contain two variations depending on

whether a TIA/EIA-41 circuit switched network component or a GSM evolved UMTS circuit switched

network component is used. In either case, a common enhanced GSM General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

packet switched network component is used.

Radio interface use with TIA/EIA-41 circuit switched network

The IMT-2000 radio interface specifications for TDMA single-carrier technology utilizing the TIA/EIA-41

circuit switched network component are developed by TIA TR45.3 with input from the Universal Wireless

Communications Consortium. This radio interface is called Universal Wireless Communication-136

(UWC-136), which is specified by American National Standard TIA/EIA-136. It has been developed with the

objective of maximum commonality between TIA/EIA-136 and GSM EDGE GPRS.

46 Currently, these specifications are developed within the third generation partnership project (3GPP) where

the participating SDOs are ARIB, ATIS, CCSA, ETSI, TTA and TTC.

47 The same name TD-SCDMA was previously used for one of the original proposals that was further refined

following the harmonization process.

23

This radio interface was designed to provide a TIA/EIA-136 (designated as 136)-based radio transmission

technology that meets ITU-Rʼs requirements for IMT-2000. It maintains the TDMA communityʼs philosophy

of evolution from 1st to 3rd Generation systems while addressing the specific desires and goals of the TDMA

community for a 3rd Generation system.

Radio interface used with GSM evolved UMTS circuit switched network component

This radio interface provides an evolution path for an additional pre-IMT-2000 technology (GSM/GPRS) to

IMT-2000 TDMA Single-Carrier. The IMT-2000 radio interface specifications for TDMA Single-Carrier

technology utilizing the GSM evolved UMTS circuit switched network component are developed by 3GPP

and transposed by ATIS Wireless Technologies and Systems Committee (WTSC). The circuit switched

component uses a common 200 kHz carrier as does the GSM EDGE enhanced GPRS phase 2 packet switched

component, as used by 136EHS, to provide high speed data (384 kbps). In addition a new dual carrier

configuration is supported

TIA/EIA-41 Circuit Switched Network component

Figure 10 presents the network elements and the associated reference points that comprise a system utilizing

the TIA/EIA-41 circuit switched network component. The primary TIA/EIA-41 network node visible to the

serving GPRS support node (SGSN) is the gateway mobile switching centre (MSC)/visitor location register

(VLR). The interface between the TIA/EIA-41 gateway MSC/VLR and the SGSN is the Gs' interface, which

allows the tunnelling of TIA/EIA-136 signalling messages between the MS and the gateway MSC/VLR. The

tunnelling of these signalling messages is performed transparently through the SGSN. Between the MS and

the SGSN, the signalling messages are transported using the tunnelling of messages (TOM) protocol layer.

TOM uses the LLC unacknowledged mode procedures to transport the signalling messages. Between the

SGSN and the gateway MSC/VLR, the messages are transported using the BSSAP+ protocol.

Upon receiving a TIA/EIA-136 signalling message from a MS via the TOM protocol, the SGSN forwards the

message to the appropriate gateway MSC/VLR using the BSSAP+ protocol. Upon receiving a TIA/EIA-136

signalling message from a gateway MSC/VLR via the BSSAP+ protocol, the SGSN forwards the message to

the indicated MS using the TOM protocol.

MS supporting both the TIA/EIA-41 circuit-switched network component and packet services (Class B136

MS) perform location updates with the circuit system by tunnelling the registration message to the gateway

MSC/VLR. When an incoming call arrives for a given MS, the gateway MSC/VLR associated with the latest

registration pages the MS through the SGSN. The page can be a hard page (no Layer 3 information included

in the message), in which case, the Gs' interface paging procedures are used by the MSC/VLR and the SGSN.

If the circuit page is not for a voice call or, if additional parameters are associated with the page, a Layer 3

page message is tunnelled to the MS by the MSC/VLR. Upon receiving a page, the MS pauses the packet data

session and leaves the packet data channel for a suitable DCCH. Broadcast information is provided on the

packet control channel to assist the MS with a list of candidate DCCHs. Once on a DCCH, the MS sends a

page response. The remaining call setup procedures, such as traffic channel designation, proceed as in a normal

page response situation.


FIGURE 10

TIA/EIA-41 Circuit Switched Network components

Global Trends-10.

MT

*

**

TIA/EIA-41HLR MC/OTAF

TIA/EIA-41Serving

MSC/VLR

MS

MT

TIA/EIA-41Gateway

MSC/VLR

SMS/GMSC

SMS/IWMSCSM-SC

BSCkt

BSPkt

SGSN

GPRSHLR

GGSNSGSN

CGFEIR

Gc

Gi

Gr

Gn

Gp

Ga

Gd

C*

Ga

PDN

GGSN

TE

Other PLMN

Gs

Um

Ckt

Gf

Gn

Gb

Iu-ps

Um

Pkt

Um

TE

GERAN**

E

R

N/N1

Q

A*

C-DC-D *

Signaling

Signaling and Data Transfer InterfaceGERAN in this context is the union of GSM, GPRS and EDGENotes:-For simplicity, not all network elements of TIA/EIA-41and ETSI GPRS are shown.-Interfaces labeled with * are implementation specific. -Interface C* is as defined in ETSI TS 129 002 [35].

GSM evolved UMTS Circuit Switched Network component

Figure 11 presents the network elements and the associated reference points that comprise a system utilizing

the GSM evolved UMTS circuit switched network component along with the common GSM EDGE enhanced

GPRS or EGPRS2 packet switched component.

Since the TDMA-SC network supports a common EDGE 136EHS bearer connected to a core enhanced GPRS

backbone network or a GSM EDGE radio access network, along with either circuit switched component, GSM

EDGE Release 5, Release 6, Release 7 and Release 8 mobile stations and functions are supported. In addition

to the Gs interface, GSM SMS functionality is also supported through the Gd interface48.

48 For simplicity, not all network elements of this system are shown in Figure 11.

25

FIGURE 11

GSM evolved UMTS Circuit Switched Network component

Global Trends-11.

**

GSM MAP

HLRCAMEL

GSM-SCF

SMS/GMSC

SMS/IWMSCSM-SC

GPRSHLR

GGSN

CGF

TE

Gn

Ga

Gc

C*

Gr

Gd

C-DGe

E

SGSNSGSN

EIR

GGSN

Gp

Gf

Gs

A

Gb

Um

MS

Gn Gi

Ga

*

BS

B SS

MTTE

GERAN **

Iu-ps

Um

R

Signalling

GERAN in this context is the union of GSM, GPRS, and EDGE

GSM MAP

ServingMSC/VLR

PDN

Other PLMN

Signalling and data transfer interface

Notes:- For simplicity, not all network elements of TIA/EIA-41 and ETSI GPRS are shown.

- Interfaces labeled with * are implementation specific.- Interface C is as defined in ETSI TS 129 002 (35).*

BS

A

Iu-cs

GSM MAP

GatewayMSC/VLR

C-D

C

3.3.1.1.5 IMT-2000 FDMA/TDMA

The IMT-2000 radio interface specifications for FDMA/TDMA technology are defined by a set of ETSI

standards. This radio interface is called digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT). This

technology provides a comprehensive set of protocols which provide the flexibility to interwork between

numerous different applications and networks. Thus a local and/or public network is not part of this

specification. Figure 12 illustrates this.

The radio interface covers, in principle, only the air interface between the fixed part (FP) and portable part

(PP). The interworking unit (IWU) between a network and the fixed radio termination (FT) is network specific

and is not part of the common interface (CI) specification, but the profile specifications define IWUs for

various networks. Similarly, the end system (ES)49, the application(s) in a PP is also excluded. The CI

specification contains general end-to-end compatibility requirements e.g. on speech transmission. The IWU

and ES are also subject to general attachment requirements for the relevant public network, e.g. the

PSTN/ISDN.

49 An ES depends on the application supported in a PP. For a speech telephony application the ES may be a

microphone, speaker, keyboard and display. The ES could equally well be a serial computer port, a fax

machine or whatever the application requires.


FIGURE 12

The Common Interface structure

Global Trends-12.

IWUCI

PT ES

PP

FP

FT

Local and/orpublic network

For each specific network, local or global, the specific services and features of that network are made available

via the air interface to the users of PPs/handsets. Except for cordless capability and mobility, this standard does

not offer a specific service; it is transparent to the services provided by the connected network. Thus the CI

standard is, and has to be, a tool box with protocols and messages from which a selection is made to access

any specific network, and to provide means for market success for simple residential systems as well as for

much more complex systems, e.g. office ISDN services.

IMT-2000 FDMA/TDMA is very suitable to be used as radio access system to connect to mobile networks.

Specifically the access to GSM/UMTS networks has been specified in detail, which allows the provision of

GSM/UMTS services via DECT. The multipart TS 101 863 contains the UMTS interworking specification.

3.3.1.1.6 IMT-2000 OFDMA TDD WMAN

The IEEE standard relevant for IMT-2000 OFDMA TDD WMAN, designated as IEEE Std 802.16, is

developed and maintained by the IEEE 802.16 Working Group on Broadband Wireless Access. It is published

by the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The radio interface technology specified in IEEE Standard 802.16 is flexible, for use in a wide variety of

applications, operating frequencies, and regulatory environments. IEEE 802.16 includes multiple physical

layer specifications, one of which is known as WirelessMAN-OFDMA. OFDMA TDD WMAN is a special

case of WirelessMAN-OFDMA specifying a particular interoperable radio interface. The component of

OFDMA TDD WMAN defined here operates in TDD mode.

The OFDMA TDD WMAN radio interface is designed to carry packet-based traffic, including IP. It is flexible

enough to support a variety of higher-layer network architectures for fixed, nomadic, or fully mobile use, with

handover support. It can readily support functionality suitable for generic data as well as time-critical voice

and multimedia services, broadcast and multicast services, and mandated regulatory services.

The radio interface standard specifies Layers 1 and 2; the specification of the higher network layers is not

included. It offers the advantage of flexibility and openness at the interface between Layers 2 and 3 and it

supports a variety of network infrastructures. The radio interface is compatible with the network architectures

defined in Recommendation ITU-T Q.1701. In particular, a network architecture design to make optimum use

of IEEE Standard 802.16 and the OFDMA TDD WMAN radio interface is described in the “WiMAX End to

End Network Systems Architecture Stage 2-3”, available from the WiMAX Forum50.

The protocol layering is illustrated in Figure 13. The MAC comprises three sub-layers. The service-specific

convergence sub-layer (CS) provides any transformation or mapping of external network data, received

through the CS service access point (SAP), into MAC service data units (SDUs) received by the MAC common

part sub-layer (CPS) through the MAC SAP. This includes classifying external network SDUs and associating

50 WiMAX End to End Network Systems Architecture Stage 2-3, available at

http://www.wimaxforum.org/technology/documents/.

http://www.wimaxforum.org/technology/documents/

27

them to the proper MAC service flow identifier (SFID) and connection identifier (CID). It may also include

such functions as payload header suppression (PHS). Multiple CS specifications are provided for interfacing

with various protocols. The internal format of the CS payload is unique to the CS, and the MAC CPS is not

required to understand the format of or parse any information from the CS payload.

FIGURE 13

OFDMA TDD WMAN protocol layering, showing service access points (SAPs)

Global Trends-13.

Scope of 802.16 standard

802.16 Entity

Service SpecificConvergence Sublayer

(CS)

MAC_SAP

MAC CommonPart Sublayer(MAC CPS)

Security Sublayer

PHY_SAP

Physical layer(PHY)

ManagementInformation Base (MIB)

C_S

AP

M_

SA

P

Net

wo

rk c

on

tro

l an

d m

anag

emen

t sys

tem

Management/Control planeData plane

MA

C

CS_SAP

PH

Y

The MAC CPS provides the core MAC functionality of system access, bandwidth allocation, connection

establishment, and connection maintenance. It receives data from the various CSs, through the MAC SAP,

classified to particular MAC connections.

3.3.1.2 IMT-Advanced

3.3.1.2.1 LTE-Advanced

The LTE-Advanced radio-access network has a flat architecture with a single type of node, the eNodeB, which

is responsible for all radio-related functions in one or several cells. The eNodeB is connected to the core

network by means of the S1 interface, more specifically to the serving gateway (S-GW) by means of the user-

plane part, S1-u, and to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) by means of the control-plane part, S1-c.

One eNodeB can interface to multiple MMEs/S-GWs for the purpose of load sharing and redundancy.

The X2 interface, connecting eNodeBs to each other, is mainly used to support active-mode mobility. This

interface may also be used for multi-cell Radio Resource Management (RRM) functions such as Inter-Cell

Interference Coordination (ICIC). The X2 interface is also used to support lossless mobility between

neighbouring cells by means of packet forwarding.

Inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC), where neighbour cells exchange information aiding the scheduling

in order to reduce interference, is supported for the RITs. ICIC can be used for homogenous deployments with

non-overlapping cells of similar transmission power, as well as for heterogeneous deployments where a higher-

power cell overlays one or several lower-power nodes. The LTE-Advanced Radio-access network interfaces

are illustrated in Figure 14.


FIGURE 14

Radio-access network interfaces

Global Trends-14.

MME

S-G WS-GW

MMECore network

eNodeB

eNodeB

eNodeB

S1-cS1-u

S1-c

S1-u

S1-u

S1-c

S1-u

S1-c

2

2 2

3.3.1.2.2 WirelessMAN-Advanced

The IEEE standard relevant for WirelessMAN-Advanced, designated as IEEE Std 802.16.1, is developed and

maintained by the IEEE 802.16 Working Group on Broadband Wireless Access. It is published by the IEEE

Standards Association (IEEE-SA) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Figure 15 illustrates the protocol layering of IEEE Std 802.16.1-2012. The medium access control (MAC)

common part sub-layer (CPS) provides the core MAC functionality of system access, bandwidth allocation,

connection establishment, and connection maintenance. It receives data from the various convergence

sub-layers (CSs), through the MAC service access point (SAP), classified to particular MAC connections.

Quality of service (QoS) is applied to the transmission and scheduling of data over the physical layer (PHY).

The MAC also contains a separate security sub-layer providing authentication, secure key exchange, and

encryption. Data, PHY control, and statistics are transferred between the MAC CPS and the PHY via the PHY

SAP. The MAC comprises three sub-layers. The service-specific CS provides any transformation or mapping

of external network data, received through the CS SAP, into MAC service data units (SDUs) received by the

MAC CPS through the MAC SAP. This includes classifying external network SDUs and associating them to

the proper MAC service flow identifier (SFID) and, for an advanced base station (ABS) or advanced mobile

station (AMS), a Station Identifier + Flow Identifier (STID + FID) combination. It may also include such

functions as payload header suppression (PHS). Multiple CS specifications are provided for interfacing with

various protocols. The internal format of the CS payload is unique to the CS, and the MAC CPS is not required

to understand the format of or to parse any information from the CS payload.

29

FIGURE 15

IEEE 802.16.1 protocol layering, showing service access points (SAPs)

Global Trends-15.

Scope of 802.16 standard.1

802.16 Entity.1

Service SpecificConvergence Sublayer

(CS)

Management plane

CX Management part

Distributed cœxistenceinformation database

Distributed radioresource management

Cœxistence protocol(CXP)

MAC_SAP

MAC CommonPart Sublayer(MAC CPS)

Security Sublayer

PHY_SAP

Physical layer(PHY)

ManagementInformation Base (MIB)

C_S

AP

M_

SA

P

Net

wo

rk c

on

tro

l an

d m

anag

emen

t sys

tem

Management/Control planeData plane

MA

C

CS_SAP

PH

Y

3.3.2 IMT Core Network and standards

3.3.2.1 Recommendation ITU-T Q.1741.8 – IMT-2000 references to Release 10

of GSM-evolved UMTS core network

This Recommendation identifies the IMT-2000 family member, “GSM evolved UMTS Core Network”

corresponding to the “3GPP Release 10”.

The core network interfaces identified in this Recommendation ITU-T Q.1741 and the radio interfaces and

radio access interfaces which are identified in ITU-R M.1457 constitute a complete system specification for

this IMT-2000 family member.

The Recommendation includes 380 items of definition relevant to the network which could be used like a

dictionary when readers would like to know compact meaning of any terms.

This Recommendation defines the terms relevant to the core network, of which many are based on definitions

given in the references listed in clause 2 of Recommendation ITU-T Q.1741.8.

The core network of 3GPP Release 10 supports IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced radio access networks as

options.

Whereas the basic configuration of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) supporting PS Domain

(both GPRS and EPC) and the interconnection to the PSTN/ISDN and PDN is presented in Figure 16. This

configuration presents signalling and user traffic interfaces which can be found in a PLMN.

Therefore, all the interfaces within PLMN are external. This Recommendation only describes the internal

interfaces in the core network (CN) and the external interfaces to and from CN.


FIGURE 16

Basic configuration of a 3GPP access PLMN supporting CS and PS services

(using GPRS and EPS) and interfaces

Global Trends-16.

PDN-GW

MME

CN

GGSN

EIR

PSTN

CS-MGW

PSTNPSTN Rx S9 GpGi

PCRFGMSCserver

GcC

D

F

GxMc

PSTN NcNb

VLR

SGSNGs

Gn

MSC server

B

SGi

S4

S5 S8

Gx

S3

S13

S6aS11

S12

Gxc

S-GW

Gr/S6d

Gf

HSS(HLR, AuC)

EVLR

CS-MGW

G

NcMSC server

B

BSS

BSC

RNS

RNC

IuCSIuPSIuCSIuPS

CS-MGWNb

Mc

A Gb

Mc

Node B

Iub

ME

MS

Uu

BTS BTS

Um

Cell

Abis

eNB

S1-MME

S1-U

E-UTRAN

Cu

eNB

Uu

X2

Node B

Iur

USIM

RNC

SIM

SIM-ME i/f or

E-

UTRAN-

S-GW

MME

PDN-GW

NOTE – The interfaces in blue represent EPS functions and reference points.

3.3.2.2 Recommendation ITU-T Q.1742.11 – IMT 2000 References (3GPP2 up to

31st December 2012) to ANSI-41 evolved Core Network with cdma2000 Access

Network

This Recommendation identifies the IMT-2000 Family Member; “ANSI-41 evolved Core Network with

cdma2000 Access Network.”

The Core Network interfaces identified in this Recommendation and the radio interfaces and radio access

network interfaces identified in Recommendation ITU-R M.1457 constitute a complete system specification

for this IMT-2000 Family Member.

The Core Network for cdma2000 is based on an evolved ANSI-41 2nd generation mobile system. The core

network technical specifications have been developed in a third generation partnership project (approved in

3GPP2 as of 31 December 2006) and transposed to the involved regional Standards Development

Organizations (SDOs). The system will support different applications ranging from narrow-band to wide-band

communications capability with integrated personal and terminal mobility to meet the user and service

requirements.

The Recommendation includes 56 items of definition relevant to the network which could be used like a

dictionary when readers would like to know compact meaning of any terms.

31

The basic architecture for the ANSI-41 evolved Core Network with cdma2000 Access Network family member

includes a circuit-based and packet based core network and an all-IP multimedia domain.

Figure 17 presents the network entities and associated reference points that comprise the ANSI-41 evolved

Core Network with cdma2000 Access Network. The network entities are represented by squares, triangles and

rounded corner rectangles; circles represent the reference points. The network reference model in this

Recommendation is the compilation of several reference models currently in use.

FIGURE 17

ANSI-41 evolved Core Network with cdma2000 Access Network Reference Model

Global Trends-17.

TE2

T5

T8

T1

T2

T6

DiT3

T4

Ur

Rm

Sm

Rm

Ater

UmAbis

E?

BS

Z2Z3

Aquater

M1

M2

M3

Pi

N1

Q1

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E12

E9

E5

O1

O2

Uv

Aquinter

Z1

Ai

Rv

Ai

Di

E2

E11

E

EIR

F

T9

BTS ABSC

LPDE

NPDB

Z

VMS

MSC

SCPIP SNT3

MT0

MT1

TE1

TAm

TE2

ME

Vehicle

UIM

Ui

MT2

TE2

CDIS

I

K

CDRP

J CDCPCDGP

OSF

MWNE

IAP

DF

CF

d

e

PDE

CRDB

ESME

V

AC OTAFSME

H

AAAPDSN

WNE

HA

PCF

X

MPC

Y

DNMC ISDNHLR

CSC

(ESNE)

Q C

VLR

B

Pi

Di

G

PSTN W DCE

PDN

(ESNE)

TE1

TE2

TE2

Rx

RTA

IWF

S

MS

TE2

Key

Specific network entity

Composite entityInterface reference point

Collective entityInterface to another instance of same network entity

Line intersectionH

x

NOTE – The portion of the Figure within the solid line is the Core Network.


AAA Authentication, Authorization and

Accounting MC Message Center

AC Authentication Center ME Mobile Equipment

BS Base Station MPC Mobile Position Center

BSC Base Station Controller MS Mobile Station

BTS Base Transceiver System MSC Mobile Switching Center

CDCP Call Data Collection Point MT Mobile Terminal

CDGP Call Data Generation Point MWNE Managed Wireless Network Entity

CDIS Call Data Information

Source NPDB Number Portability DataBase

CDRP Call Data Rating Point OSF Operations System Function

CF Collection Function OTAF Over-The-Air Service Provisioning

Function

CRDB Coordinate Routing Data

Base PCF Packet Control Function

CSC Customer Service Center PDE Position Determining Entity

DCE Data Circuit Equipment PDN Packet Data Network

DF Delivery Function PDSN Packet Data Serving Node

EIR Equipment Identity Register PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network

ESME Emergency Services Message Entity SCP Service Control Point

ESNE Emergency Services Network Entity SN Service Node

HA Home Agent SME Short Message Entity

HLR Home Location Register TA Terminal Adapter

IAP Intercept Access Point TE Terminal Equipment

IIF Interworking and Interoperability

Function UIM User Identity Module

IP Intelligent Peripheral VLR Visitor Location Register

ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network VMS Voice Message System

IWF Interworking Function WNE Wireless Network Entity

LPDE Local Position Determining Entity WPSC Wireless Priority Service Center

LNS L2TP Network Server

In the Recommendation, the following Core Network Architecture Model are also explained other than the

above reference model:

– IP MMD (Multimedia Domain)

– Packet Data Subsystem (PDS)

– IP Multimedia Session (IMS) Subsystem

3.3.3 Collaboration and Process in the Development of IMT Radio Interface

Specifications

IMT is a system with global development activity and the IMT radio interface specifications identified in

Recommendations ITU-R M.1457 for IMT-2000 and ITU-R M.2012 for IMT-Advanced have been developed

by the ITU in collaboration with the radio interface technology proponent organizations, global partnership

projects and SDOs, and subsequently approved by the ITU Member States.

33

ITU-R has provided the global and overall framework and requirements, and has developed the core global

specifications jointly with these organizations which are documented in Recommendations ITU-R M.1457 and

M.2012. Thus the detailed standardization has been undertaken within the recognized external organization51,

who transpose the global core specifications contained in those Recommendations into their own detailed

published standards ensuring the global applicability and commonality of IMT.

This joint standardization approach is guided by ITU-R Resolution 9 (Liaison and collaboration with other

relevant organizations, in particular ISO and IEC) and Resolution ITU-57 (Principles for the process of

development of IMT Advanced).

ITU-R Resolution 57 has been the foundation for the creation of a set of well-defined procedures52 in ITU-R

to address the process and activities identified for the development of the IMT terrestrial components radio

interface Recommendations53. This set of procedures includes announcement of a call for proposals for new

radio interfaces and for updates to existing radio interfaces, the preparation of ITU-R Recommendations and

Reports that define the minimum requirements for terrestrial IMT, the submission process, the evaluation

process, and the development of the detailed radio interface specifications themselves. Detailed timelines are

produced for each stage of the process.

Such an approach has led to effective and efficient collaboration with the relevant external organizations

engaged in IMT and contributes positively to the planning, organization, and management of the work both in

ITU-R and in the external organizations resulting in timely and on-going enhancements to IMT. This

successful mechanism is already being utilized for the future development of IMT beyond that of

IMT-Advanced in activities currently underway in ITU-R54.

3.4 Techniques to facilitate roaming

Roaming is facilitated by:

1) using the frequency bands identified for IMT in the Radio Regulations (RR);

2) following the frequency arrangements in Recommendation ITU-R M.1036 – Frequency

arrangements for implementation of the Terrestrial component of International Mobile

Telecommunications (IMT) in the bands identified for IMT in the Radio Regulations (RR),

(03/2012), which provides guidance on the selection of transmitting and receiving frequency

arrangements for the terrestrial component of IMT;

3) using the 3GPP operating band that are defined in Table 5.5-1 in the 3GPP TS 36.101

http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/archive/36_series/36.101/36101-c60.zip [2], in Table 5.0 in the

3GPP TS 25.101 http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/archive/25_series/25.101/25101-c60.zip [3]

and section 5.2 in the Technical Specification 3GPP TS 25.102

http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/archive/25_series/25.102/25102-c00.zip [4]55; and

51 A “recognized organization” in this context is defined to be a recognized SDO that has legal capacity, a

permanent secretariat, a designated representative, and open, fair, and well-documented working methods.

52 Web pages in ITU-R have been established to document the process for IMT-2000 submission and

evaluation and the process for IMT-Advanced submission and evaluation associated with developing and/or

revising the relevant ITU-R Recommendations for the terrestrial components of the IMT radio interfaces.

53 The procedures defined in the “IMT-ADV” series of documents for IMT-Advanced in conjunction with

ITU-R Resolution 57 have recently be applied to the on-going enhancement of IMT-2000 from year 2013

onwards as defined in the “IMT-2000” series of documents. The adoption of a common set of procedures

for IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced further improves and streamlines the work management both in ITU-R

and in the relevant external organizations on IMT development.

54 See “ITU towards IMT for 2020 and beyond”.

55 It should be noted that some bands standardized in 3GPP are not identified for IMT and not part of the

Harmonized frequency arrangements of Recommendation ITU-R M.1036.

http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/archive/36_series/36.101/36101-c60.zip

http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/archive/25_series/25.101/25101-c60.zip

http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/archive/25_series/25.102/25102-c00.zip%20%5b4

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/imt-2000/Pages/submit-eval-process.aspx

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/imt-2000/Pages/submit-eval-process.aspx

http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/index.asp?category=study-groups&rlink=rsg5-imt-advanced&lang=en

http://www.itu.int/md/R07-IMT.ADV-C

http://www.itu.int/md/R12-IMT.2000-C

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/imt-2020/Pages/default.aspx


4) using the 3GPP2 operating band defined in Table 1.5-1 in the band class specification 3GPP2

C.S0057

http:/www.3gpp2.org/public_html/specs/C.S0057-E_v1.0_Bandclass Specification.pdf[5]56.

It should be noted that the technology used by a system and its conformance with the recommended

specifications and standards in Recommendation ITU-R M.1457 define that system as IMT-2000, and

Recommendation ITU-R M.2012 define that system as IMT-Advanced regardless of the frequency band of

operation as explained in considering k) of Recommendation ITU-R M.1580. So it should be also noted that

harmonized frequency arrangements for the bands identified for IMT are addressed in Recommendation ITU-R

M.1036, which also indicates that some administrations may deploy IMT-2000 systems in bands other than

those identified to IMT in the RR, as explained in considering l) of the same Recommendation mentioned

above.

4 IMT spectrum

4.1 International spectrum identified for IMT

A number of frequency bands are identified for IMT in the Radio Regulations (RR) Edition 2012.

Recommendation ITU-R M.1036 provides guidance on the selection of transmitting and receiving frequency

arrangements for the terrestrial component of IMT systems with a view to assisting administrations on

spectrum-related technical issues relevant to the implementation and use of the terrestrial component of IMT

in the bands identified in the Radio Regulations.

The following bands are identified for IMT in the Radio Regulations (RR) Edition 2012, as shown in Table 1.

This identification does not preclude the use of these bands by any application of the services to which they

are allocated or identified and does not establish priority in the Radio Regulations. It has to be noted that

different regulatory provisions apply to each band. The Regional deviations for each band are described in the

different footnotes applying in each band, as shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1

Band

(MHz)

Footnotes identifying the

band for IMT

450-470 5.286AA

698-960 5.313A, 5.317A

1 710-2 025 5.384A, 5.388

2 110-2 200 5.388

2 300-2 400 5.384A

2 500-2 690 5.384A

3 400-3 600 5.430A, 5.432A, 5.432B, 5.433A

Also, administrations may deploy IMT systems in bands other than those identified in the RR,

and administrations may deploy IMT systems only in some or parts of the bands identified for IMT in the RR.

4.2 Frequency arrangements

The frequency arrangements for IMT contained in Recommendation ITU-R M.1036 are provided with the

intent of enabling the most effective and efficient use of the spectrum to deliver IMT services – while

minimizing the impact on other systems or services in these bands – and facilitating the growth of IMT systems.

56 It should be noted that some bands standardized in 3GPP2 are not identified for IMT and not part of the

Harmonized frequency arrangements of Recommendation ITU-R M.1036.

http://www.3gpp2.org/public_html/specs/C.S0057-E_v1.0_Bandclass_Specification.pdf

35

The recommended frequency arrangements for implementation of IMT in the bands listed in Table 1 are

expanded on in Table 2 through 7 based upon Recommendation ITU-R M.103657.

TABLE 2

Frequency arrangements in the band 450-470 MHz

Frequency

arrangements

Paired arrangements Un-paired

arrangements

(e.g. for TDD)

(MHz)

Mobile station

transmitter

(MHz)

Centre

gap (MHz)

Base station

transmitter

(MHz)

Duplex

separation

(MHz)

D1 450.000-454.800 5.2 460.000-464.800 10 None

D2 451.325-455.725 5.6 461.325-465.725 10 None

D3 452.000-456.475 5.525 462.000-466.475 10 None

D4 452.500-457.475 5.025 462.500-467.475 10 None

D5 453.000-457.500 5.5 463.000-467.500 10 None

D6 455.250-459.975 5.275 465.250-469.975 10 None

D7 450.000-457.500 5.0 462.500-470.000 12.5 None

D8 450-470 TDD

D9 450.000-455.000 10.0 465.000-470.000 15 457.500-462.500

TDD

D10 451.000-458.000 3.0 461.000-468.000 10 None

D11 450.500-457.500 3.0 460.500-467.500 10 None

TABLE 3

Paired frequency arrangements in the band 698-960 MHz

Frequency

arrangements


arrangements

(e.g. for TDD)

(MHz)

Mobile station

transmitter

(MHz)

Centre gap

(MHz)

Base station

transmitter

(MHz)

Duplex

separation

(MHz)

A1 824-849 20 869-894 45 None

A2 880-915 10 925-960 45 None

A3 832-862 11 791-821 41 None

A4 698-716

776-793

12

13

728-746

746-763

30

30

716-728

A5 703-748 10 758-803 55 None

A6 None None None 698-806

57 The revision of Recommendation M.1036 is in progress, see the adopted latest version of Table 2 through

Table 7 at http://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-M.1036/en 58 The use of the term “IMT-2020” is a

placeholder terminology and the specific nomenclature to be adopted for the future development of IMT is

expected to be finalized at the Radiocommunication Assembly 2015.

http://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-M.1036/en


TABLE 4

Frequency arrangements in the band 1 710-2 200 MHz

Frequency

arrangements


arrangements

(e.g. for TDD)

(MHz)

Mobile station

transmitter

(MHz)

Centre gap

(MHz)

Base station

transmitter

(MHz)

Duplex

separation

(MHz)

B1 1 920-1 980 130 2 110-2 170 190 1 880-1 920;

2 010-2 025

B2 1 710-1 785 20 1 805-1 880 95 None

B3 1 850-1 910 10 1 930- 1 990 80 1 920-1 930

B4 (harmonized with

B1 and B2)

1 710-1 785

1 920-1 980

20

130

1 805-1 880

2 110-2 170

95

190

1 880-1 920;

2 010-2 025

B5 (harmonized with B3

and parts of B1 and B2)

1 850-1 910

1 710-1 770

10

340

1 930- 1 990

2 110-2 170

80

400

1 920-1 930

TABLE 5


Frequency

arrangement


arrangements

(e.g. for TDD)

(MHz)

Mobile station

transmitter

(MHz)

Centre

gap

(MHz)

Base station

transmitter

(MHz)

Duplex

separation

(MHz)

E1 2 300-2 400 TDD

TABLE 6


(not including the satellite component)

Frequency

arrangements


arrangements

(e.g. for TDD)

(MHz)

Mobile

station

transmitter

(MHz)

Centre gap

(MHz)

Base station

transmitter

(MHz)

Duplex

separation

(MHz)

Centre gap

usage

C1 2 500-2 570 50 2 620-2 690 120 TDD 2 570-2 620 TDD

C2 2 500-2 570 50 2 620-2 690 120 FDD 2 570-2 620

FDD DL external

C3 Flexible FDD/TDD

37

TABLE 7

Frequency

arrangements


arrangements

(e.g. for TDD)

(MHz)

Mobile station

transmitter

(MHz)

Centre gap

(MHz)

Base station

transmitter

(MHz)

Duplex

separation

(MHz)

F1 3 400-3 600

F2 3 410-3 490 20 3 510-3 590 100 None

Further information can be found in Recommendation ITU-R M.1036 – Frequency arrangements for

implementation of the terrestrial component of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in the bands

identified for IMT in the Radio Regulations (RR).

4.3 Methods to Estimate spectrum requirements for IMT

The methodology to estimate spectrum requirements for IMT is described in Recommendation

ITU-R M.1768-1 – Methodology for calculation of spectrum requirements for the terrestrial component

of IMT. Report ITU-R M.2290 – Future spectrum requirements estimate for terrestrial IMT, provides a global

perspective on the future spectrum requirement estimated for terrestrial IMT. The input parameters in this

Report are not country specific. In some countries, the spectrum requirements can be lower than the low

estimate and in some other countries, the spectrum requirements can be higher than the high estimate

(see Annex 4 of Report ITU-R M.2290, Summary of national spectrum requirements in some countries). The

methodology explained in the Recommendation and utilised in the Report could be used to estimate the total

IMT spectrum requirements of a given country only if all the current input parameter values used in this report

are replaced by the values which apply to that specific country (as described in the methodology itself).

There is a user guide on the methodology as “User guide for the IMT spectrum requirement estimation tool”

in the ITU-R WP 5D web-page whose address is http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-

groups/rsg5/rwp5d/Pages/default.aspx. As described in the guide, the methodology of estimating the spectrum

requirements for IMT is implemented in MS Excel as a Spectrum Calculator tool to facilitate its use. The tool

is also available under the “reference” of the ITU-R WP 5D web-page for users with TIES (Telecommunication

Information Exchange Service) accounts.

The tool consists of 27 worksheets and seven modules of macros. The worksheets present input parameter

values, intermediate calculation results obtained from worksheet calculations and macro calculations, and the

final spectrum requirements. The tool is executed from its opening sheet called “Main”, which is the core of

the tool.

Figure 18 hereunder shows the relationship between the methodology flow chart and the corresponding

worksheets in the “Spectrum Calculator” tool as well as the different input parameters to the methodology

calculation steps. The worksheets with a grey background colour in Figure 18 denote the locations in the tool

where the input parameter values are inserted. The worksheets with a white background colour in Figure 18

are where the actual calculation is implemented including intermediate calculation results. For further

information please refer to the user guide.

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/study-groups/rsg5/rwp5d/Pages/default.aspx


FIGURE 18

Input parameters, methodology flow chart and corresponding worksheets

in the “Spectrum Calculator” tool

Global Trends-18.

Step 3: Calculate trafficdemand

Market-setting Market-input 2020

MainSession volume

Market-studies

Area arrival rate Area traffic volume

RATG 1 and 2 Def-input

RATG 3 and 4 Def-inputRATG -dist ratio-input

Dist Ratio-Input

PS traffic-op

PS traffic-op-teledensity

S category-input

RATGEff-input

PS capacity_calculation

Main

Spectrum_requirement

Adjs and agg spectrum

RATG 1 and 2 Def-input



Main

Step 2: Analyse collected

market data

Step 4: Distribute traffic

Step 5: Calculate systemcapacity

Step 8: Calculate aggregatespectrum requirements

Step 7: Apply adjustments

Step 6: Calculate unajusted

spectrum requirement

Step 9: Final spectrumrequirements

CS traffic-op-teledensity

CS traffic-op

Dist-comb

SE-Input

Dist-ratio matrix

CS capacity_calculation

Radio Access Technology Groups (RATGs)

Service Environments (SEs)

Service Categories (SCs)Radio Environments (REs)

Teledensities

Rep. ITU-R M.2243

User density

Session arrival rate per user

Mean service bit rate

Average session duration

Mobility ratioJ-values for mapping of mobility classes

Distribution ratio among available RATGsPopulation coverage percentage

Application data rateSupported mobility classes

Support for multicast

Mean delay

Blocking probabilityMean IP packet size

Second moment of IP packet size

Area spectral efficiency

Minimum deployment per operator

per radio environmentSpectrum granularity

Guardband between operatorsNumber of overlapping network

deployments

Cell/sector area

Market attribute

settings

Step 1: Definitions

Methodology flow chart Relevant worksheets in

’Spectrum Calculator’ tool

Rep. ITU-R M.2072

Input parameters and

definitions

5 Regulatory issues

5.1 Institutional aspects and arrangements

To facilitate the successful deployment of IMT systems, the policy to make the spectrum available to the

market should be clearly stated. In order to guarantee that the spectrum policy is aligned with the country’s

main objectives, it is important that telecommunications should figure on country’s main agenda. In this way,

regulators and other government institutions will have the necessary support to conduct their activities.

Another important aspect that can foster IMT deployment is related to the institution arrangements for policy

delivery. The agency responsible for the spectrum policy should pay close attention to the role of each

government agent (national and subnational) as well as other market stakeholders. It is also important to avoid

responsibility overlap or gaps in order to facilitate the achievement of goals, diminish tension between

institutions, and encourage agreements.

In addition, all stakeholders should have a clear understanding of the decision-making process. This could be

accomplished through the development of a code of practice for the decision-making process, enabling both

regulators and operators to have a clear understanding of how regulatory decisions are made, and any

applicable processes for appealing such decisions.

39

5.2 Transparency and stakeholder involvement

In order to ensure that regulatory and policy decisions are made in the best interest of all, an open and public

decision-making process should be used. This has two main benefits. First, by using a process that provides

for public review and comment of proposed regulations and decisions, policymakers and regulators ensure that

the regulatory and policy regime is not developed in a vacuum, and that current and expected future mobile

market developments are considered. Policymakers, operators and vendors each have unique insights on the

mobile market that, when considered together, have the best chance of developing a mobile sector based on

international best practices and up-to-date market and technology intelligence.

Second, an open and public policy development process will lead to greater transparency, a key characteristic

of any good decision-making process. By soliciting input from stakeholders and the public at large, and

ensuring that industry plays a central role in the development of policies and priorities, regulators have an

increased likelihood of crafting a regulatory and policy regime that is supported by most, if not all, interested

parties. There are various approaches to including private sector stakeholders in the regulatory process,

including standing advisory panels or groups, public consultations, and targeted solicitation of inputs, none of

which are mutually exclusive. The close cooperation of regulators and industry is crucial to the development

of a robust regulatory regime as well as a successful mobile industry.

5.3 Market knowledge

In order to develop good IMT spectrum policy, it is important for regulators and government institutions to

know the actual market status and the community needs. To know the needs, the governments can conduct

surveys, collect data through public consultations, and other feedback instruments that enable the market and

the society to show their opinions and needs. This process can enhance government’s decision making process,

improving the effectiveness and quality of the public policies.

Besides, government agencies may also take into account cultural aspects, social conditions,

and demographical disparities, since these aspects may influence the development of spectrum policy

instruments.

5.4 Spectrum licensing

5.4.1 IMT licensing considerations

Many considerations may impact IMT licensing conditions including the following:

– Technology requirements

– Coverage/roll-out obligations

– Timing of license assignments

– Duration of licenses

– Spectrum block size

– Number of operators

– Infrastructure sharing

– Number portability.

5.4.2 IMT licensing principles and methods

Many methods of assigning spectrum licenses exist. These methods follow two approaches: 1) non-market

based assignments such as comparative process (also known as beauty contests) and lotteries 2) market-based

approaches such as auctions. In cases of limited demand for a particular frequency band in a particular

geographic area, first-come first served licensing may also be considered. Licensing is a national prerogative

and each country must decide what methodology is appropriate for the conditions that exist within its legal,

regulatory, and market framework.

To the maximum practical extend, spectrum should be licensed in alignment with regionally and internationally

harmonized mobile spectrum bands to enable economies of scale, reduce cross-border interference and


facilitate international services. Also, licensing authorities should publish roadmaps of the planned release of

additional spectrum bands to maximize the benefits of spectrum use. A spectrum roadmap should take a long-

term and holistic approach and include a comprehensive and reasonably detailed inventory of current use.

Furthermore, transferable and flexible spectrum rights may also be considered when assigning spectrum

licenses. According to Report ITU-R SM.2012, “... economists recommend that spectrum users be allowed to

transfer their spectrum rights (whether assigned by auction or some other assignment mechanism) and that

spectrum users have a high degree of flexibility in the choice of the consumer services that they provide with

their spectrum.”

For more information on spectrum assignment methods, see section 2.3.1 of Report ITU-R SM.2012.

5.5 IMT spectrum clearing (including re-farming) guidelines

Recommendation ITU-R SM.1603-1 – Spectrum redeployment as a method of national spectrum management,

gives guidelines for spectrum redeployment issues. This Recommendation defines spectrum redeployment

(also known as spectrum re-farming) as “a combination of administrative, financial and technical measures

aimed at removing users or equipment of the existing frequency assignments either completely or partially

from a particular frequency band. The frequency band may then be allocated to the same or different service(s).

These measures may be implemented in short, medium or long time-scales.” The Recommendation also

provides a guide for national consideration of redeployment issues.

5.6 Global circulation of terminals

The global circulation of terminals allows users to carry their personal terminals into a visited country and the

ability to use them wherever possible. Recommendation ITU-R M.1579 establishes the technical basis for

global circulation of IMT 2000 terrestrial terminals, based on terminals not causing harmful interference in

any country where they circulate. Further information can be found in Recommendation ITU-R M.1579 –

Global circulation of IMT-2000 terrestrial terminals.

5.7 Unwanted emissions

Information regarding unwanted emissions can be found in Recommendation ITU-R M.1580 – Generic

unwanted emission characteristics of base stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-2000, and

Recommendation ITU-R M.1581 – Generic unwanted emission characteristics of mobile stations using the

terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-2000. In addition, information on IMT-Advanced can be found in

Recommendation ITU-R M.2070 – Generic unwanted emission characteristics of base stations using the

terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-Advanced, and Recommendation ITU-R M.2071 – Generic unwanted

emission characteristics of mobile stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-Advanced.

6 Steps to consider in the deployment of IMT systems

6.1 Key issues and questions to be considered prior to IMT network deployment

Key issues to be considered are as follows:

– Spectrum Harmonization

– Maturity of the technology to be introduced

– Device availability and affordability

– Market trends

– Radio Interface standards referring to ITU-R Recommendations and Reports

– Demographics and services (e.g. support of new services and applications)

– Time frame for transition

– Assistance to customer in changeover to new technology

– Compatibility with incumbent telecommunication systems.

41

6.2 Migration of existing wireless systems to IMT

6.2.1 Migration strategy

There are some issues to be considered when planning the migration from GSM to IMT. These issues are as

follows:

– Amount of existing wireless system (e.g. GSM) spectrum available

– Traffic balance between low band (e.g. GSM 850/900 MHz) and high band (e.g. GSM –

1 800/1 900 MHz)

– Solutions to increase GSM’s network capacity: Voice services over Adaptive Multi-user channels

on One Slot (VAMOS), Orthogonal Sub-channels (OSC), tight frequency reuse, etc.

– Voice traffic migration to IMT (e.g. UMTS/LTE)

– Re-farming technology decisions (e.g. Introduction of HSPA/LTE to GSM 850/900 MHz and

GSM 1 800/1 900 MHz)

– Re-farming roadmap (e.g. gradual introduction of IMT to GSM bands or re-farming of both GSM

850/900 MHz and GSM 1 800/1 900 MHz at the same time).

6.2.2 General migration process

The Spectrum migration consists of a solution which reduces the spectrum needed to a desired limit without

compromising on performance of the existing network, which can be structured in five phases and activities

as outlined below and summarized in Figure 19.

FIGURE 19

Spectrum Migration Solution overview

Global Trends-19.

Feasibility study

Pre-refarming actions

Refarming

Post-refarming actions

Performance assessment

Set best possible baseline scenariofor spectrum carve and UMTSintroduction (traffic balancing, RFoptimization)

Proposal on best frequency planstrategies to adoptNeeded actions before carving

Provide Optimum Frequency Planbalancing network performance andfuture ROI

Improve networkperformance in newchallanging scenario (HOoptimization)

Monitoring andfinal report

Feasibility Study

The main target of this phase is to evaluate if the migration can be done within the acceptance criteria

(i.e. agreed KPI levels for amount of spectrum to be released). The first task is to define the required spectrum

reduction, typically dependent on the following factors:

– Operator restrictions

– Maturity of the network


– Expected traffic growth

– Network evolution

Pre Re-farming actions

In this phase, using output from the feasibility study, a complete set of actions will be proposed in order to

establish the best baseline scenario for the implementation of a new frequency plan after the spectrum carving.

These actions typically includes RF Optimization and RRM Optimization.

There are several functions which can be used to aid in the achievement of the objectives (capacity, interference

and traffic management). These functions will reduce the interference levels or improve the network’s ability

to cope with the increased interference.

Frequency Plan elaboration and implementation

In this phase the final frequency will be implemented guided by the strategies defined in the previous phase.

This phase includes the following parts:

– Frequency Plan

– Updated Neighbour List

– Fall-back plan

• Fall back to the previous frequency plan

• A fast reactive process to identify and troubleshoot the worst performing sectors

Post Re-farming actions

A second round of optimization actions may be proposed after the implementation of the Re-farmed frequency

plan. In order to understand the real scope of this phase, a Performance Analysis must be carried for two main

reasons:

– Ensure no severe degradation is present post-Re-farming. If this is the case, then a fall-back plan

will be auctioned.

– Acknowledge the necessary actions to be carried out in order to meet the agreed Acceptance

criteria.

Performance Assessment

After Implementation, the network will be monitored mainly through the Operational Support Systems (OSS)-

based tool. Other tools may be also utilized for specific monitoring tasks.

6.2.3 Some Case Studies

Operators in Europe and Asia are re-farming parts of their GSM spectrum to allow new technology

introduction. The general trend has been to re-use 900 MHz for IMT-2000 and 1 800 MHz for IMT. The driver

for IMT-2000 in 900 MHz is to improve coverage since low frequency spectrum has better coverage

characteristics compared with the higher frequencies thereby allowing both deeper and broader coverage. The

device eco-system for 900 MHz is also very strong.

In many markets, the motivation for deploying IMT in their existing 1800 MHz band is a combination of

capacity relief and to demonstrate market leadership by launching IMT services before new spectrum, such as

2600 MHz, is available. The device eco-system for IMT in 1 800 is also very strong, particularly at the high

end of the market.

6.2.3.1 General Scenarios

The ultimate arrangement that mobile broadband networks will take, will vary from case to case. As an

illustration of the possible alternative routes that could be taken by three different operators, Figures 20 and 21

show the start points and end points of the evolution to a high-performance mobile broadband network using

different radio-access technologies.

43

FIGURE 20

Starting frequency band allocation and technology deployment for the operator

Global Trends-20.

2 600 MHz

2 100 MHz

1 800 MHz

900 MHz

800 MHz

GSM

HSPA

GSM

FIGURE 21

Evolved frequency band allocation and deployment for the operator

Global Trends-21.

2 600 MHz

2 100 MHz

1 800 MHz

900 MHz

800 MHz

GSM/LTE or GSM/HSPA

HSPA

GSM/HSPA

LTE

LTE

Typical European frequencies are used to illustrate the strategies for this evolution.

Scenario 1: This operator has no early access to either 2600 MHz or 800 MHz spectrum for IMT (e.g. LTE).

Here, the first step is to re-farm the 900 MHz spectrum to IMT-2000 (e.g. HSPA) in order to boost IMT-2000

coverage and capacity, especially in rural areas. As GSM traffic diminishes as a result of the greater IMT-2000

(e.g. HSPA) capacity, the operator can re-farm the 1800 MHz spectrum either for IMT (e.g. LTE) or IMT-2000

(e.g. HSPA) to provide high-performance mobile broadband in urban and suburban areas. The technology

choice will depend on the operator’s market position, the current and projected device fleet, the ability to serve

mass-market volumes of IMT-2000 (e.g. HSPA) smartphones in existing 3GPP bands, and the availability of

other bands for IMT (e.g. LTE). In this scenario, the operator is able to roll out IMT (e.g. LTE) in other bands

as it becomes available.

Scenario 2: This operator has already deployed IMT-2000 (e.g. WCDMA/HSPA) in the 900 MHz, as well as

in the 2100 MHz band. The total spectrum in these deployments is sufficient to cater for mass IMT-2000

(e.g. HSPA) smartphone uptake. By driving the uptake of IMT-2000 capable devices that use IMT-2000 access


for voice and data, and rolling out GSM efficiency improvements, GSM traffic can be served within the

900 MHz spectrum. This frees up the 1800 MHz spectrum for IMT (e.g. LTE) deployment.

Scenario 3: This operator has early access to 2600 MHz spectrum for IMT (e.g. LTE), as well as the option

for rolling out IMT (e.g. LTE) in the Digital Dividend 800 MHz band (made available following the shutdown

of Europe’s analogue TV networks). The operator’s first step is to re-farm 900 MHz spectrum to IMT-2000

(e.g. WCDMA/HSPA) to provide wider and deeper IMT-2000 coverage and capacity, especially for rural and

indoor areas. Increasing use of IMT-2000 (e.g. WCDMA/HSPA) in the wide area gradually reduces load on

the GSM/EDGE network.

In addition, the operator deploys IMT (e.g. LTE) in the 2600 MHz band in urban hotspots to provide a high-

speed mobile-broadband service to complement the IMT-2000 (e.g. HSPA) access. After this, the operator

rolls out IMT (e.g. LTE) in the 800 MHz band to provide high-performance broadband in the wide area,

including rural areas.

Ultimately, when GSM traffic has diminished significantly, the operator can re-farm the 1800 MHz spectrum

for IMT (e.g. LTE) as well to provide a further capacity and boost coverage. Alternatively, if the need for

additional IMT-2000 (e.g. HSPA) capacity is more pressing at this time, the operator has the option of

deploying IMT-2000 (e.g. HSPA) in the 1800 MHz spectrum.

6.2.3.2 One example of Network Migration to LTE 1800

One operator in Australia’s key strategies following the 2006 launch of its WCDMA network was a concerted

effort to move GSM users to the new network. Many factors lay behind this strategy, including network

rationalization, coherent branding and operational efficiency. To provide incentives for users to move to

IMT-2000, the operator relied on a variety of options, such as free handset upgrades and attractive “no

premium” pricing plans. As users moved to more advanced technology, they became more likely to adopt new

services. But perhaps the most significant outcome was operator’s ability to “empty” its GSM network and re-

farm the 1 800 MHz spectrum to launch Australia’s first LTE network in September 2011.

Since the network launch, the volume of traffic in this operator’s mobile network has doubled every year.

In late 2010, through a capacity modelling tool, the operator forecast that the network capacity would run out

before the new 700 MHz spectrum – primed for LTE – became available. So something had to be done – and

fast.

Spectrum re-farming was not new to this operator. It had already successfully introduced WCDMA on

re-farmed 850 MHz and built a healthy ecosystem in the process. In pioneering a global 1 800 MHz LTE

ecosystem, the operator took the same approach, playing an active role by working in conjunction with

infrastructure suppliers, device and chipset manufacturers and industry bodies. Today, 1 800 MHz has become

the most popular LTE band worldwide.

When this operator launched the nation’s first LTE network, it was seen by industry observers as a six month

head start on competitors that could consolidate the company’s already dominant position. The launch was as

much a result of the operator’s engineering strategy as of its business strategy.

For additional information related to the migration please refer to Annex I – Technology migration in a given

frequency band.

6.2.3.3 Example of Network Migration to IMT in 900 MHz band

In Viet Nam, UMTS systems have been deployed in the 2 100 MHz band. Due to high deployment cost of the

UMTS 2 100 MHz in rural areas of Viet Nam, mobile broadband services in these areas were not adequate.

Recently, operators showed strong demand to deploy mobile broadband systems in GSM 900 MHz band for

rural coverage mainly because of excellent propagation characteristic and low deployment cost. As GSM

900 MHz systems have national coverage, it is quite efficient to reuse the existing infrastructure for IMT

systems in the same band.

The requests from operators triggered re-assessment of frequency planning from the Ministry of Information

and Communications as Frequency Planning for this band is for GSM systems only. Operators were notified

that the Ministry would re-consider the planning for 900 MHz band. Operators holding licenses in the 900 MHz

45

band were allowed to carry out IMT systems trials in small scale in the same band. Operators chose to trial

UMTS in the 900 MHz.

Operators’ trial report showed excellent UMTS coverage, comparable data service with UMTS service in

2 100 MHz band, and all Key Performance Indicators were met.

Measurements of the quality of the existing GSM service indicated that there was no degradation in GSM’s

voice services.

At the same time, the Ministry had comprehensively studied the planning of 900 MHz band for IMT. The

result was that it would be beneficial to the society as a whole, especially for rural areas, to deploy IMT in

900 MHz band. The Ministry distributed public request for comment of the new policy and organized

workshop to have operators’ opinion.

With the success of operators’ trial results and consensus responses of stakeholders, the Ministry enforced a

new circular to allow the operators holding 900 MHz license to deploy IMT system in the same band.

The Ministry also informed the operators with the intention of long term frequency arrangement for IMT

900 MHz following 5 MHz blocks plan.

The operators were directed to follow the 5 MHz block plan as much as practical to avoid unnecessary cost

and rearrangement issues in the future.

Figure 22 illustrates the IMT carrier arrangement in the 900 MHz band co-existing with GSM.

FIGURE 22

Example of re-farming 900 MHz band in the transition phase

Global Trends-22.

880 MHz

Operator 1

2 3 4 5 6 7

Operator 2 Operator 3 Operator 4

895

890 898.5 906.7 915

880 MHz 890885 900 905 910 915

IMT/GSM

GSM

Uplink

GSM carrier

IMT carrier

Block 1

6.3 Choice of technology in the identified IMT bands

6.3.1 IMT Technology Considerations

It is important to consider bandwidth, coverage and capacity requirements when intending to implement a new

IMT system. Considering various deployment possibilities, aggregation of spectrum used separately for FDD

or TDD operations may be an efficient method to increase the utilization of the spectrum resource. FDD and

TDD aggregation needs to be able to operate in the following scenarios:

– Multiple carriers on co-located sites, part of which are FDD carriers and the rest are TDD carriers.

– Different types of carriers on different sites, e.g. FDD carrier on macro sites, and TDD carriers

on small cells.


For development of systems that can support FDD and TDD aggregation, techniques must be developed to

enable legacy user equipment (UE) that operates on either FDD or TDD networks to be able to work on the

FDD-TDD aggregated network. Eventually future-evolved UE that support FDD and TDD aggregation could

enjoy the increased peak data rate.

For more information on criteria leading to technology decisions, please refer to section 7.

6.3.2 Satellite component of IMT

IMT consists of both terrestrial component and satellite component radio interfaces. The terrestrial and satellite

components are complementary, with the terrestrial component providing coverage over areas of land mass

with population density considered to be large enough for economic provision of terrestrially-based systems,

and the satellite component providing service elsewhere by a virtually global coverage, especially with strength

in providing coverage in the sea, islands, mountainous districts, and sparsely-populated areas. The ubiquitous

coverage of IMT can therefore be realized using a combination of satellite and terrestrial radio interfaces.

The satellite component of IMT encompasses both IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced. The radio interfaces for the

satellite component of IMT-2000 are identified in Recommendation ITU-R M.1850-1, including:

– Satellite radio interface A (SRI-A)

– Satellite radio interface B (SRI-B)

– Satellite radio interface D (SRI-D)

– Satellite radio interface E (SRI-E)

– Satellite radio interface F (SRI-F)

– Satellite radio interface G (SRI-G)

– Satellite radio interface H (SRI-H).

The radio interfaces for the satellite component of IMT-Advanced have been developed by ITU-R. Two radio

interfaces are identified:

– BMSat

– SAT-OFDM.

For more information on radio interfaces for the satellite component of IMT-Advanced, please refer to

Recommendation ITU-R M.2047 – Detailed specifications of the satellite radio interfaces of International

Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT-Advanced), and to Report ITU-R M.2279 – Outcome of the

evaluation, consensus building and decision of the IMT-Advanced satellite process (Steps 4 to 7), including

characteristics of IMT-Advanced satellite radio interfaces.

The specifications of the radio interfaces for the satellite component of IMT could also be adopted by other

MSS systems and applied in other bands for MSS.

6.4 Deployment planning

A key to supporting the increasing data requirements of IMT systems is the provision of sufficient backhaul

capacity to avoid the creation of a bottleneck. Fibre and wireless systems both have roles to play in backhaul

of IMT data. Fibre has a greater capacity and typically lower operating expenses, while wireless backhaul is

quicker and easier to install, especially in the case where many small cells are being connected. In addition,

wireless technologies have the potential to provide lower latencies given the difference in propagation speeds

between fibre and wireless.

Although the proportion of data traffic backhauled by fibre is increasing, the absolute number of fixed wireless

backhaul links is nevertheless increasing rapidly, particularly systems comprising a small number of hops in

support of small mobile cells in urban and other high usage areas.

For more detailed information on the design of wireless backhaul systems please refer to Annex D –

Description of Wireless Backhaul Systems.

47

For additional information on fixed service backhaul networks for IMT please refer to the works of ITU-R

Working Party 5C that is preparing a draft new Report ITU-R F.[FS.IMT/BB]; this work will be finalized by

October 2015.

7 Criteria leading to technology decisions

7.1 Spectrum implications, Channelization and Bandwidth considerations

The current availability of frequency bands and amount of bandwidth differs across Member States and regions

and this leads to many challenges such as roaming, device complexity, lack of economics of scale, and

interference. It is recognized that finding and assigning contiguous, broader and harmonized frequency bands

which are aligned with future technology development can reduce these challenges.

Also, pursuing greater harmonization with larger contiguous frequency bands will support continued

introduction of mobile devices with longer battery life while improving spectrum efficiency; and potentially

reducing cross border interference.

Flexible spectrum usage can provide technical solutions to address the growing traffic demand in the future

and allow more efficient use of radio resources including the limited spectrum resources. Flexible spectrum

usage can improve the frequency efficiency, which includes aspects such as cognitive radio

techniques, Authorized Shared Access (ASA), and joint management of multiple radio access technologies

(RATs).

7.2 Importance of multi-mode/multi-band solutions

The increasing availability of multi-radio mobile devices has fuelled a growing trend towards exploiting

multiple RATs to address capacity as well as connectivity limitations. Integration of multiple radio access

technologies could help seamlessly integrate the new spectrum bands, existing licensed bands, and unlicensed

bands to meet capacity and service demands and provide better user experience.

Multi-radio networks also offer an opportunity for future IMT systems to support all footprints: wide area

networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and personal area networks (PANs) in a fashion that is

transparent to the end user.

7.3 Technology development path

ITU-R WP 5D has a process in place to continually revise Recommendations ITU-R M.1457 and

ITU-R M.2012 as several technologies have and will continue to introduce technological advancements to both

established and more recent IMT systems. Member States can follow these advancements in many ways

including tracking the latest revisions of these Recommendations. Advances in the mobile industry have been

significant over the past decade and the ability to introduce these technologies advancements quickly have

contributed to the significant growth in mobile broadband data usage.

7.4 Backhaul Considerations

In this context backhaul means the aggregate of all the traffic being transported to the core network. As traffic

demands for mobile broadband communications increases, backhaul is increasingly becoming an important

infrastructure in the IMT network architecture that requires special consideration. Backhaul performance not

only affects the data throughput available to users, but also the overall performance of the radio-access

network.

High performance backhaul with low latency enables tighter coordination between nodes, which in turn uses

available spectrum more efficiently. Networks with large numbers of (small) cell sites require backhaul

solutions that can use a selection of physical transmission media, including microwave, fibre and wireless

connectivity.

Backhaul solutions should not limit the radio access network, which means that there should be adequate

backhaul capacity provision at the network cell sites. In addition, backhaul solutions should have sufficient

end-to end performance to meet the desired user quality of experience (QoE) everywhere for the provision of

mobile broadband.


7.5 Technology Neutrality

With the rapid changes and developments occurring in the mobile sector, a technology neutral approach in

developing policies and regulations for the wireless communications sector will support the continued and

robust growth of mobile broadband which will directly benefit the entire community, both the public and

private sectors. Policies and regulations that mandate or only address specific technology solutions frequently

become impediments for continued growth, limit competition and stifle innovation.

Annex A 49

ANNEX A

Abbreviations, acronyms, interface and reference points

A.1 Abbreviations and acronyms

ACI Adjacent Channel Interference

ACLR Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio

ACS Adjacent Channel Selectivity

A-GPS Assisted GPS

ANSI American National Standard Institute

ARIB Association of Radio Industries and Businesses

ATIS Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions

AuC Authentication centre

B2B Business to Business

BCCH Broadcast Control Channel

BSC Base Station Controller

BSSAP Base Station Subsystem Application Part

BSS Base station system

BTS Base Transceiver Station

CAGR Compound annual growth rate

CCSA China Communications Standards Association

CDMA Code Division Multiple Access

CEPT European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations

CGI Computer-generated imagery

CGI Cell Global Identifier

CI Cell Identity

CID Cell ID

CN Core network

CS-MGW Circuit switched – Media gateway function

DCCH Dedicated Control Channel

CDR Call-detail Record

DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications

DL Downlink

DME Distance Measuring Equipment

EDGE Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution

EGPRS Enhanced GPRS

eHRPD Evolved High Rate Packet Data


EHS Electromagnetic Hyper Sensitivity

EIA Electronic Industries Association

E interface mobile switching centre server (MSC server) – mobile switching centre server (MSC

server)

EIR Equipment Identity Register

eNB enhanced Node B

EPC Evolved Packet Core

E-SMLC Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center

ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute

E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

FDD Frequency Division Duplex

FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access

GGSN Gateway GPRS Support Node

GMLC Gateway Mobile Location Center

GMSC Gateway mobile Switching Center

GPRS General Packet Radio System / General Packet Radio Service

GPS Global Positioning System

GSA Global Mobile Suppliers Association

GSM Global System for Mobile Communications

GSMA GSM Association

GT Global Title

HLR Home Location Register

HPCRF PCRF in the home PLMN

HRPD High Rate Packet Data

HSPA High Speed Packet Access

HSS Home Subscriber Server

ICIC Inter-Cell Interference Coordination

ICT Information and Communication Technology

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IOS Interoperability Specification

IP Internet Protocol

ISO International Organization for Standardization

IWU Interworking Unit

KPI Key Performance Indicator

LAC Location Area Code

LBS Location Based Services

L-DACS L-band Digital Aeronautical Communication

Annex A 51

LLC Logical Link Control

LMH-BWA Land Mobile (including Wireless Access) – Volume 5: Deployment of Broadband

Wireless Access Systems

LMU Location Measurement Unit

LTE Long Term Evolution

MAC Medium Access Controller

MC Multi-Carrier

MCC Mobile Country Code

MCL Minimum Coupling Loss

ME Mobile Equipment

M2M Machine-to-Machine

MME Mobility Management Entity

MNC Mobile Network Code

MSC Mobile Switching Centre (also appears as "Mobile-services Switching Centre")

MSCe Mobile Switching Centre emulation

NAS Non-Access-Stratum

NMR Network Management Reports

OECD Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access

O&M Operation and Maintenance

OOBE Out-Of-Band Emission

OSC Orthogonal Sub-channels

OSI Open System Interconnection

OSS Operational Support Systems

O-TDOA Observed Time Difference of Arrival

PB Petabyte

PCRF Policy and Charging Rules Function

PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol

PDN Packet Data Network

PDN GW gateway which terminates the SGi interface towards the PDN

PHY Physical Layer

PLMN Public Land Mobile Network

PPDR Public Protection and Disaster Relief

PS Packet Switched

PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network

QoS Quality of Service

RBS Radio Base Station

RF Radio Frequency


RFPM RF Pattern Printing

RIT Radio Interface Technology

RLC Radio Link Controller

RNC Radio Network Controller

RNS Radio Network Subsystem (also appears as "Radio Network System")

RR Radio Regulations

RRC Radio Resource Controller

RRM Radio Resource Management

RSVP Resource Reservation Protocol

RTT Radio Transmission Technologies

RTT Round Trip Time

SDO Standard Development Organization

SDU Selection/Distribution Unit; Service Data Unit

SGSN serving GPRS support node

S-GW Serving Gateway

SIM GSM Subscriber Identity Module; Specialised Information Model

SLP SUPL Location Platform

SMLC Serving Mobile Location Centre

SMS Short Message Service

SMS-GMSC SMS gateway MSC

SMS-IWMSC SMS Interworking MSC

STP Signalling Transfer Point

SUPL Secure User Plane Location

TA Timing Advance

TCH Traffic Channel

TDD Time Division Duplex

TDMA Time Division Multiple Access

TDMA-SC Time Division Multiple Access – Single Carrier

TD-SCDMA Time Division Synchronous CDMA

TIA Telecommunications Industry Association

TOM Tunnelling Of Messages

TTA Telecommunications Technology Association

TTC Telecommunication Technology Committee

UE User Equipment

UL Uplink

UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

USIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module

Annex A 53

U-TDOA Uplink Time Difference of Arrival

UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

UWC Universal Wireless Communications Consortium

VAMOS Voice services over Adaptive Multi-user channels on One Slot

VLR Visitor location register

VPCRF PCRF in the visited PLMN

WCDMA Wideband CDMA

WMAN Wireless Metropolitan Area Networking

A.2 Interface

A mobile switching centre (MSC) – base station system (BSS)

Abis base station controller (BSC) – base transceiver station (BTS)

A1 carries signalling information between the call control and mobility management functions of the

circuit-switched MSC and the call control component of the BS (BSC).

A1p carries signalling information between the call control and mobility management functions of the

MSCe and the call control component of the BS (BSC).

A2 provides a path for user traffic and carries 64/56 kbps PCM information (for circuit-oriented

voice) or 64 kbps Unrestricted Digital Information (UDI, for ISDN) between the Switch

component of the circuit-switched MSC and the Selection/Distribution Unit (SDU) function of

the BS.

A2p provides a path for packet-based user traffic sessions and carries voice information via IP packets

between the MGW and the BS.

A3 transports user traffic and signalling for inter-BS soft/softer handoff when a target BS is attached

to the frame selection function within the source BS.

A5 provides a path for user traffic for circuit-oriented data calls between the source BS and the circuit-

switched MSC.

A7 carries signalling information between a source BS and a target BS for inter-BS soft/softer

handoff.

A8 carries user traffic between the BS and the PCF.

A9 carries signalling information between the BS and the PCF.

A10 carries user traffic between the PCF and the PDSN.

A11 carries signalling information between the PCF and the PDSN

B an internal interface defined for modelling purposes

C Gateway mobile switching centre server (GMSC server) – Home location register

(HLR)

D visitor location register (VLR) – home location register (HLR)

F mobile switching centre server (MSC server) – equipment identity register (EIR)

G visitor location register (VLR) – visitor location register (VLR)

Gb serving GPRS support node (SGSN) – base station system (BSS)

Gc home location register (HLR) – gateway GPRS support node (GGSN)

Gd interface between the SGSN and the SMS Gateway


Gf equipment identity register (EIR) – serving GPRS support node (SGSN)

Gn gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) – serving GPRS support node (SGSN)

Gp serving GPRS support node (SGSN) – external data network

Gr home location register (HLR) – serving GPRS support node (SGSN)

Gs mobile switching centre (MSC)/visitor location register (VLR) – serving GPRS support node

(SGSN)

Gxc S-GW – PCRF/VPCRF

Iu communication interface between the RNC and the Core Network Interface (Mobile switching

centre and Serving GPRS Support Node).

Iub RNC – Node B

IuCS mobile switching centre (MSC) – RNS or BSS

IuPS serving GPRS support node (SGSN) – RNS or BSS

Iur A logical interface between two RNC whilst logically representing a point-to- point link between

RNC, the physical realization may not be a point-to-point link.

Lb/Iupc interface between SMLC and RSC/RNC

Lg/SLg interface between GMLC and MSC/MME

Lh/SLh interface between GMLC and HLR/HSS

S1 standardized interface between eNB – the Evolved Packet Core (EPC).

S1-MME MME – E-UTRAN

S1-u interface connecting the eNB to the S-GW by means of the user-plane part

S1-c interface connecting the eNB to the MME by means of the control-plane part

S3 MME – SGSN

S4 S-GW – SGSN

S5 S-GW – PDN GW

S6a MME – HSS

S6d home location register (HLR) – serving GPRS support node (SGSN)

S8 S-GW – PDN GW S8 (the inter-PLMN variant of S5)

S9 HPCRF – VPCRF

S10 MME – MME

S11 MME – S-GW

SLs interface between E-SMLC and MME

Um air interface between BTS and MS

Uu Radio interface between UTRAN and the user equipment

X2 supporting the exchange of signalling information between two eNBs, and mainly used to support

active-mode mobility.

Annex A 55

A.3 Reference point

B interface between MSC and the VLR

C interface between the MSC and the HLR

D interface between the VLR and HLR

d interface between an IAP and the DF

D1 interface between the OTAF and the VLR

Di interface between:

– The IP and the ISDN

– The IWF and the ISDN

– The MSC and the ISDN [ESBE]

– The SN and the ISDN

E interface between the MSC and the MSC

E3 interface between the MPC and the MSC

E5 interface between the MPC and the PDE

E9 interface between the MPC and the SCP

E11 interface between the CRDB and the MPC

E12 interface between the MSC and the PDE

e interface between the CF and the DF

F interface between the MSC and the EIR

G interface between the VLR and the VLR

Gi GGSN – packet data networks

Gx PCEF – PCRF/H-PCRF/V-PCRF

H interface between the HLR and the AC

I interface between the CDIS and the CDGP

J interface between the CDGP and the CDCP

K interface between the CDGP and the CDRP

M1 interface between the SME and the MC

M2 MC to MC interface

M3 SME to SME interface

Mc mobile switching centre server (MSC Server) –circuit switched media gateway (CS-MGW)

N interface between the HLR and the MC

N1 interface between the HLR and the OTAF

Nb circuit switched media gateway (CS-MGW) – circuit switched media gateway (CS-MGW)

Nc mobile switching centre server (MSC server) –gateway mobile switching centre server

(GMSC server)

O1 interface between an MWNE and the OSF

O2 interface between an OSF and the OSF


Pi interface between:

– The AAA and the AAA,

– The AAA and the PDN,

– The IWF and the PDN,

– The MSC and the PDN, plus

– The PDSN and the PDN.

Q interface between the MC and the MSC

Q1 interface between the MSC and the OTAF

Rx the application function – the policy and charging rule function (PCRF)

S12 S-GW – UTRAN

S13 MME – EIR

SGi PDN GW – packet data networks

T1 interface between the MSC and the SCP

T2 interface between the HLR and the SCP

T3 interface between the IP and the SCP

T4 interface between the HLR and the SN

T5 interface between the IP and the MSC

T6 interface between the MSC and the SN

T7 interface between the SCP and the SN

T8 interface between the SCP and the SCP

T9 interface between the HLR and the IP

V interface between the OTAF and the OTAF

X interface between the CSC and the OTAF

Y interface between a Wireless Network Entity (WNE) and the IWF

Z interface between the MSC and the NPDB

Z1 interface between the MSC and the VMS

Z2 interface between the HLR and the VMS

Z3 interface between the MC and the VMS

Annex B 57

ANNEX B

Reference publications

B.1 ITU publications

B.1.1 ITU Recommendations

Terrestrial IMT (and other, related) Recommendations:

– Recommendation ITU-R M.678 – International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)

– Recommendation ITU-R M.819 – International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)

for developing countries

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1036 – Frequency arrangements for implementation of the Terrestrial

component of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in the bands identified for IMT

in the Radio Regulations (RR) (03/2012)

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1224 – Vocabulary of terms for International Mobile

Telecommunications (IMT)

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1457 – Detailed specifications of the terrestrial radio interfaces of

International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1580 – Generic unwanted emission characteristics of base stations

using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT 2000

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1581 – Generic unwanted emission characteristics of mobile stations

using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT 2000

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1579 – Global circulation of IMT-2000 terrestrial terminals

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1645 – Framework and overall objectives of the future development

of IMT-2000 and systems beyond IMT-2000

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1768 – Methodology for calculation of spectrum requirements for the

future development of IMT-2000 and systems beyond IMT-2000

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1801 – Radio interface standards for broadband wireless access

systems, including mobile and nomadic applications, in the mobile service operating below 6 GHz

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1822 – Framework for services supported by IMT

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1850 – Detailed specifications of the radio interfaces for the satellite

component of International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)

– Recommendation ITU-R M.2012 – Detailed specifications of the terrestrial radio interfaces of

International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT-Advanced)

For more information please refer to: List of ITU-R Recommendations on IMT.

B.1.2 ITU Reports

Terrestrial IMT (and other, related) Reports

– Report ITU-R M.2038 – Technology trends (as they relate to IMT-2000 and systems beyond

IMT-2000)

– Report ITU-R M.2039 – Characteristics of terrestrial IMT-2000 systems for frequency

sharing/interference analyses

– Report ITU-R M.2242 – Cognitive radio systems specific for IMT systems

– Report ITU-R M.2243 – Assessment of the global mobile broadband deployments and forecasts

for International Mobile Telecommunications


– Report ITU-R M.2072 – World mobile telecommunication market forecast

– Report ITU-R M.2078 – Estimated spectrum bandwidth requirements for the future development

of IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced

– Report ITU-R M.2079 – Technical and operational information for identifying spectrum for the

terrestrial component of future development of IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced

For more information please refer to: List of ITU-R Reports on IMT.

B.1.3 ITU Handbooks

ITU-R and its Working Parties developed a number of ITU-R Handbooks as follows:

– Handbook on Amateur and amateur-satellite services (www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB-52)

– Handbook on Digital Radio-Relay Systems (www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB-24)

– Handbook on Frequency adaptive communication systems and networks in the MF/HF bands

(www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB-40)

– Handbook on Land Mobile (including Wireless Access) Volume 1: Fixed Wireless Access

(www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB-25)

– Handbook on Land Mobile (including Wireless Access) Volume 2: Principles and Approaches

on Evolution to IMT-2000/FPLMTS (www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB-30)

– Handbook on Land Mobile (including Wireless Access) – Volume 3: Dispatch and Advanced

Messaging Systems (www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB-47)

– Handbook on Land Mobile (including Wireless Access) – Volume 4: Intelligent Transport

Systems (www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB-49)

– Handbook on Land Mobile (including Wireless Access) – Volume 5: Deployment of Broadband

Wireless Access Systems (www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB-57)

– Handbook on Migration to IMT-2000 Systems – Supplement 1 (Revision 1) of the Handbook on

Deployment of IMT-2000 Systems (www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB-46)

– Handbook on IMT-2000: Special Edition on CD-ROM (www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB- 37)

B.2 External publications

B.2.1 UMTS Forum Reports

– UMTS Forum Report 1, “A Regulatory Framework for UMTS”, 1997

– UMTS Forum Report 2, “The Path towards UMTS – Technologies for the Information Society”,

1998

– UMTS Forum Report 4, “Considerations of Licensing Conditions for UMTS Network

Operations”, 1998

– UMTS Forum Report 5, “Minimum Spectrum Demand per Public Terrestrial UMTS Operator in

the Initial Phase”, 1998

– UMTS Forum Report 6, UMTS/IMT-2000 Spectrum, 1998

– UMTS Forum Report 31, UMTS Next Generation Devices, January 2004

– UMTS Forum Report 33, 3G Offered Traffic Characteristics, November 2003

– UMTS Forum Report 35, Mobile Market Evolution and Forecast: Long term sociological, social

and economical trends, June 2004

– UMTS Forum Report 36, Benefits of Mobile Communications for the Society, June 2004

– UMTS Forum Report 37, “Magic Mobile Future 2010-2020”, April 2005

– UMTS Forum Report 38, “Coverage Extension Bands for UMTS/IMT-2000 in the bands between

470-600 MHz”, January 2005

http://www.itu.int/pub/R-HDB-%2037

Annex B 59

– UMTS Forum Report 39, “The Global Market for High Speed Packet Access (HSPA):

Quantitative and Qualitative analysis”, March 2006

– UMTS Forum Report 40, “Development of spectrum requirement forecasts for IMT-2000 and

systems beyond IMT-2000 (IMT-Advanced)”, January 2006

– UMTS Forum Report 41, “Market Potential for 3G LTE”, July 2007

– UMTS Forum Report 42, “LTE Mobile Broadband Ecosystem: the Global Opportunity”, June

2009

– UMTS Forum Report 43, “Two Worlds Connected: Consumer Electronics Meets Mobile

Broadband”, January 2011

– UMTS Forum Report 44, “Mobile Traffic Forecasts 2010-2020”, May 2011

– UMTS Forum White Paper “Spectrum for future development of IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced”,

2012

– UMTS Forum Report 45, “Study of Spectrum allocations and usage in the range 3 400-4 200 MHz

(C-band)”, February 2014

B.2.2 GSMA publications

– GSMA mobile policy handbook

– GSMA mobile economy series

– Understanding 5G: perspectives on future technological advancements in mobile, December 2014

– Today, tomorrow, and the future – managing data demand in Asia Pacific, November 2014

– Enabling mobile broadband: a toolkit, November 2014

– Wireless backhaul spectrum policy recommendations and analysis, October 2014

– The cost of spectrum auction distortions, October 2014

– Data demand explained, July 2014

– Will Wi-Fi relieve congestion on cellular networks?, May 2014

– The GSMA spectrum primer series: introducing radio spectrum, March 2014

– The GSMA spectrum primer series: the spectrum policy dictionary, March 2014

– The impact of licensed shared access use of spectrum, February 2014

– Coexistence of ISDB-T and LTE, November 2013

– Valuing the use of spectrum in the EU, June 2013

– Securing the digital dividend for mobile broadband, May 2013

– Advancing 3GPP networks: optimisation and overload management techniques to support

smartphones, June 2012

– Licensing to support the mobile broadband revolution, May 2012

– HSPA & LTE advancements, February 2012

– GSMA spectrum handbook: understanding the basics of spectrum policy for mobile

telecommunications, December 2011

– Mobile broadband evolution: securing the future of mobile broadband for the GSM community,

February 2011

– The momentum behind LTE worldwide, January 2011

– MIMO in HSPA: the real-world impact, November 2010

– The 2.6 GHz spectrum band: an opportunity for global mobile broadband, January 2010

http://mph.gsma.com/publicpolicy/handbook

http://www.gsma.com/me-reports/

https://gsmaintelligence.com/files/analysis/?file=141208-5g.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/GSMA_Huawei_Analaysys-Mason-MBB-Forum-report-FINAL1.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/GSMA_MBB_Toolkit_ExecSummary.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Wireless-Backhaul-Spectrum-Policy-Recommendations-and-Analysis-Report.-Nov14.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/The-Cost-of-Spectrum-Auction-Distortions.-GSMA-Coleago-report.-Nov14.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/GSMA-Data-Demand-Explained-FINAL-ENGLISH.-Nov14.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Wi-Fi-Offload-Paper.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Introducing-Radio-Spectrum-Online-HighRes.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/The-Spectrum-Policy-Dictionary-Online-HighRes.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/The-Impacts-of-Licensed-Shared-Use-of-Spectrum.-Deloitte.-Feb-20142.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ATDI.Report-on-LTE-and-ISDB-T-coexistence-study-Issue-1.-2013.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Economic-Value-of-Spectrum-Use-in-Europe_Junev4.1.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/GSMA-Policy-Position-on-the-Digital-Dividend.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/newsroom/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Opt-Overload-Man-Tech-Support-Smart-Phones.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/newsroom/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Opt-Overload-Man-Tech-Support-Smart-Phones.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/gsma_licensing_report.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/hspalteenhancementsgsmapaperfeb2012final.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Spectrum-GSMA-Spectrum-Handbook-2012.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Spectrum-GSMA-Spectrum-Handbook-2012.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/05032009134226.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/momemtumbehindltewhitepaperjan10.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/umtsmimofinal.pdf

http://www.gsma.com/spectrum/the-2-6ghz-spectrum-band-an-opportunity-for-global-mobile-broadband/

Annex C 61

ANNEX C

Applications and services

C.1 Location based application and services

Location based application and services helps in determining the geographical position of a mobile

phone/device, and delivers the position to the application requesting this information. Location based systems

can be broadly divided into: a) network based; b) handset based and c) hybrid.

a) Network based: Network-based techniques utilize the service providerʼs network infrastructure

to identify the location of the handset. The advantage of network-based techniques (from mobile

operator's point of view) is that they can be implemented without specific support for LBS

(Location Based Services) from handsets. The accuracy of network-based techniques is dependent

on the inter site distance and number of neighbouring base station cells.

b) Handset based: The handset based technique generally uses GPS. In this case location

determination calculation is done by the handset, and thus location information is generally more

precise.

c) Hybrid positioning systems use a combination of network-based and handset-based technologies

for location determination. One example would be Assisted GPS, which uses both GPS and

network information to compute the location. Hybrid-based techniques give the best accuracy of

the two but inherit the limitations and challenges of network-based and handset-based

technologies.

C.1.1 Location accuracy techniques

The following are the location techniques:

– Cell Id

– Cell Id +TA/ Cell ID+RTT

– Enhanced Cell ID (ECID)

– RF Pattern Matching

– U-TDOA (LMU) based

– O-TDOA

– A-GPS

– Mix of one or more of above.

C.1.1.1 Cell ID

a) In this positioning mechanism, the serving cell of the target UE is translated to a geographical

shape. This is a quick but low accuracy positioning mechanism. For this the positioning entity

needs to have a database of Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) and the corresponding radio

coverage.

b) Where can be deployed: Cell ID can be implemented regardless of technology.

c) Salient points:

i) Limited accuracy

ii) No additional major deployment in network

iii) Works in all network technologies (GSMWCDMA, LTE).


C.1.1.2 Cell Id +TA/ Cell ID+RTT

a) The TA is based on the existing Timing Advance (TA) parameter. The TA value is known for the

serving BTS. To obtain TA values in case the MS is in idle mode a special call, not noticed by

the GSM subscriber (no ringing tone), is set up. The cell-ID of the serving cell and the TA which

is received is then used to determine the approximate distance of the UE from the tower.

The Round Trip Time (RTT) measures the distance between the WCDMA-handset and the base

station, i.e. with a similar purpose as TA in GSM. Accuracy depends upon various factors such

as inter site distance, accuracy of Cell site data bases and stability in RF characteristics of the

network. Works with WCDMA network.

b) Salient points:

i) Cell Id + TA/ Cell Id + RTT positioning method is merely an enhancement of the Cell

Id.

ii) The TA parameter is an estimate of the distance (in increments of 550 M) from the mobile

terminal to the base station.

iii) The RTT measures the distance between the WCDMA-handset and the base station, i.e.

with a similar purpose as TA in GSM.

iv) Works in all network technologies.

C.1.1.3 E-CID {(Cell Id +TA)/(Cell ID+RTT) & NMR}

a) Network Management Reports (NMR) like power measurement can also be used to enhance

accuracy of RTT and CGI.

b) Salient points:

i) Medium accuracy around 200 meters in urban areas depending upon inter site distance

and number of neighbours.

ii) Works in all network technologies.

C.1.1.4 RF Pattern Printing (RFPM)

Radio Frequency Pattern Printing (RFPM) is a positioning method that uses the RF patterns observed in the

region to determine UE location using the NMRs as main inputs. RFPM compares “fingerprint” data received

from the handsets with the database of radio frequency strength of the same area. This will improve accuracy

considerably. Accuracy depends upon various factors such as inter site distance, accuracy of Cell site data

bases and stability in RF characteristics of the network. RFPM works with GSM and WCDMA networks.

a) RF Profiling/Pattern Matching/Fingerprinting- The technology is capable of meeting the

100 m/300 m requirement for network-based solutions in many urban and some dense suburban

settings. Accuracy in urban, suburban/rural areas may be achieved depending upon inter site

distance and number of neighbours.

b) Works in all network technologies.

c) RF fingerprinting requirements:

i) The method requires periodic drive tests and collection of data over the required area.

The samples are to be collected at different point of time in a day or adaption of RF

patterns data for different RF characteristics in a day.

ii) Large number of samples with the required parameters to be taken.

iii) The drive test for in building and hand held drive test for congested locations (which are

non-drivable) should also be done and integrated with the drive test of outdoor to generate

RF pattern data.

iv) Incremental drive test or tuning of RF measurement pattern is required in case of change

in antenna power, tilt or beam width or when a new base station is installed or any base

station stops radiating, the topology changes due to change in Landscape, infrastructure

development, terrain, etc.

Annex C 63

C.1.1.5 Uplink time duration of arrival (UTDOA) – Location management unit (LMU)

a) This is software and hardware based solution to be installed along with an existing BTS. It will

require backend infrastructure to collect process and present the required information.

b) The technology is capable of meeting the 100 m/300 m requirement for network-based solutions.

Higher accuracy in urban, suburban/rural areas may be achieved depending upon inter site

distance and number of neighbours.

c) Will require additional O&M of LMU hardware.

d) Works in GSM.

e) LMU requirements:

i) At least two neighbours are required.

ii) For synchronization, GPS infrastructure (GPS antenna, cable) is required.

iii) Signalling connectivity between LMU Server and LMUs (located at BTS) is required.

iv) It is an active element which requires connectivity at BTS.

C.1.1.6 Observed time duration of arrival (O-TDOA)

a) To be deployed for LTE.

b) O-TDOA is a downlink trilateration technique that requires the User Equipment (UE) to detect at

least two neighbour eNodeBs.

c) The UE requires O-TDOA software support in order to process the signals from multiple eNodeBs

and interact with the E-SMLC/SLP (Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centre / SUPL Location

Platform) server.

C.1.1.7 A-GPS

GPS is a satellite based positioning technology. In this UE calculated its location and provides it to the network.

A variant of GPS is A-GPS wherein network provides initial assistance data to the UE to reduce the location

determination time. GPS based mechanism generally does not work as well indoors or in areas where clear sky

is not visible.

a) Salient points:

i) Good accuracy in Sub-urban/ Rural/Remote. In strong signal conditions (e.g. rural

environment with user in clear sky conditions), the accuracy can be better than 10 m. In

some dense urban or indoors environments, accuracy may degrade to the 50-100 m range.

ii) Only works for users with GPS on their handsets.

iii) GPS enabling is user controlled.

C.1.2 Factors impacting location accuracy

In all location accuracy a method except A-GPS, the accuracy is dependent on inter site distance and number

of neighbours of BTSs. Lower the inter site distance the accuracy shall be higher.

Also higher the number of neighbours the accuracy shall be higher.

C.1.3 Required features and issues in supporting LBS

a) Location nodes i.e. GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Centre), SMLC (Serving Mobile Location

Centre) and its associated interfaces are required.

b) The following are the requirements in various network elements for LBS support:

i) BSC/RNC:

– Lb/Iupc Interface on every BSC/RNC

– Network features required in each BSC/RNC

– Unique Point Code/GT/RNCID in all BSCs/RNCs across all PLMNs


– BSC/RNC Reachability – STP (Signalling Transfer Point) or Direct?

– Full CGI (Cell Global Identifier) Value (MCC+MNC+LAC+CI) to be provided by

BSCs

– Full CGI Value (MCC+MNC+LAC/RNCID+CID) to be provided by RNCs.

– Extra Load on BSC/RNC for All Call CDR (Call-detail Record) Requirement.

ii) MSC/MME:

– Lg/SLg & SLs Interface on every MSC/MME

– Network features required in each MSC/MME.

iii) HLR/HSS:

– Lh/SLh Interface on every HLR/HSS

– Network features required in each HLR/HSS.

iv) BTS/Node B/E-Node B:

– Intersite Distance Requirement. Accuracy shall increase with lesser inter-site

distance and more number of neighbours for network based solutions.

c) As the usage of location based services increases, it will have impact on different network

elements and signalling etc. for which re-dimensioning of various network elements may be

required.

Annex D 65

ANNEX D

Description of Wireless Backhaul Systems

– Recommendation ITU-R F.746 – Radio-frequency arrangements for fixed service systems

– Recommendation ITU-R F.752 – Diversity techniques for point-to-point fixed wireless systems

– Recommendation ITU-R F.755 – Point-to-multipoint systems in the fixed service

– Recommendation ITU-R F.1093 – Effects of multipath propagation on the design and operation

of line-of-sight digital fixed wireless systems

– Recommendation ITU-R F.1101 – Characteristics of digital fixed wireless systems below about

17 GHz

– Recommendation ITU-R F.1102 – Characteristics of fixed wireless systems operating in

frequency bands above about 17 GHz

– Recommendation ITU-R F.1668 – Error performance objectives for real digital fixed wireless

links used in 27 500 km hypothetical reference paths and connections

– Recommendation ITU-R F.1703 – Availability objectives for real digital fixed wireless links used

in 27 500 km hypothetical reference paths and connections

Annex E 67

ANNEX E

Description of the IMT-2000 radio interfaces and systems

IMT-2000 CDMA Direct Spread

Figure 23 shows the radio interface protocol architecture for the radio access network. On a general level, the

protocol architecture is similar to the current ITU-R protocol architecture as described in Recommendation

ITU-R M.1035. Layer 2 (L2) is split into the following sub-layers; radio link control (RLC), medium access

control (MAC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and Broadcast/Multicast Control (BMC). Layer 3

(L3) and RLC are divided into control (C-plane) and user (U-plane) planes. In the C-plane, L3 is partitioned

into sub-layers where the lowest sub-layer, denoted as radio resource control (RRC), interfaces with L2. The

higher-layer signalling such as mobility management (MM) and call control (CC) are assumed to belong to the

CN. There are no L3 elements in this radio interface for the U-plane.

Each block in Figure 23 represents an instance of the respective protocol. Service access points (SAPs) for

peer-to-peer communication are marked with circles at the interface between sub-layers. The SAP between

MAC and the physical layer provides the transport channels. A transport channel is characterized by how the

information is transferred over the radio interface (see sections 5.1.1.3 “Physical layer” and 5.1.1.3.1

“Transport Channel” of Recommendation ITU-R M.1457 for an overview of the types of transport channels

defined). The SAPs between RLC and the MAC sub-layer provide the logical channels. A logical channel is

characterized by the type of information that is transferred over the radio interface. The logical channels are

divided into control channels and traffic channels. The different types of logical channels are not further

described in this overview. In the C-plane, the interface between RRC and higher L3 sub-layers (CC, MM) is

defined by the general control (GC), notification (Nt) and dedicated control (DC) SAPs. These SAPs are not

further discussed in this overview.

Also shown in Figure 23 are connections between RRC and MAC as well as RRC and L1 providing local inter-

layer control services (including measurement results). An equivalent control interface exists between RRC

and the RLC sub-layer. These interfaces allow the RRC to control the configuration of the lower layers. For

this purpose separate control SAPs are defined between RRC and each lower layer (RLC, MAC, and L1).


FIGURE 23

Radio interface protocol architecture of the RRC sub layer (L2 and L1)

Global Trends-23.

RLCRLC

RLCRLC

RLCRLC

RLC

RLC

BMC

GC Nt DC

GC Nt DC

PDCPPDCP

Control

Co

ntro

l

Co

ntro

l

Con

trol

L3C

ontr

ol

C-plane signalling U-plane information

RRC

Logical

channels

Transport

channels

UuS boundary

L3/RRC

L2/PDCP

L2/BMC

L2/RLC

L2/MAC

L1

Duplication avoidance

Physical

MAC

IMT-2000 CDMA TDD

The radio interface protocol architecture for IMT-2000 CDMA TDD is the same as CDMA Direct spread as

shown in Figure 23.

IMT-2000 CDMA Multi-Carrier

As shown in Figure 24, this radio interface has a layered structure that provides a combination of voice, packet

data, and circuit data services, according to the ISO/OSI reference model (i.e. Layer 1 – the physical layer, and

Layer 2 – the link layer). Layer 2 is further subdivided into the link access control (LAC) sub-layer and the

MAC sub-layer. Applications and upper layer protocols corresponding to OSI Layers 3 through 7 utilize the

services provided by the LAC services, e.g. signalling services, voice services, data services (packet data and

circuit data).

In this radio interface a generalized multimedia service model is supported. This allows any combination of

voice, packet data, and circuit data services to be operated. The radio interface also includes a QoS control

mechanism to balance the varying QoS requirements of multiple concurrent services (e.g. to support ISDN or

RSVP network layer QoS capabilities).

Annex E 69

FIGURE 24

General radio interface architecture

Global Trends-24.

Upper layersignalling

Data services Voiceservices

LACsub-layer

RLP RLP RLP

MACsub-layer

Multiplexing and QoS delivery

SRBP

OSILayers 3 to 7

Physical layer

OSILayer 2

OSILayer 1

Sig

na

llin

g t

o p

hysi

cal

layer

inte

rfa

ce

Annex F 71

ANNEX F

Description of External Organizations

F.1 3GPP

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) unites six telecommunications standard development

organizations (ARIB, ATIS, CCSA, ETSI, TTA, TTC), referred to as “Organizational Partners” and provides

members with an independent and stable environment to produce the Reports and Specifications that specify

and define 3GPP technologies. The work conducted within the 3GPP focuses on specific projects and studies

aimed at the evolution and improvement of the standards that serve as the basis for the global cellular mobile

industry.

The project covers cellular telecommunications network technologies, including radio access, the core

transport network, and service capabilities – including work on codecs, security and quality of service. It thus

provides complete system specifications. The specifications also provide hooks for non-radio access to the

core network, and for interworking with Wi-Fi networks.

3GPP specifications and studies are contribution-driven, by member companies, in Working Groups and at the

Technical Specification Group level.

For more information please refer to http://www.3gpp.org/about-3gpp/about-3gpp

F.2 3GPP2

The Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) is a collaborative third generation telecommunications

specifications-setting project comprising North American and Asian interests developing global specifications

for ANSI/TIA/EIA-41 (MC_CDMA/cdma2000) Cellular Radio telecommunication Intersystem Operations

network evolution to IMT-2000 and global specifications for the radio transmission technologies (RTTs)

supported by ANSI/TIA/EIA-41.

3GPP2 was born out of the International Telecommunication Unionʼs (ITU) International Mobile

Telecommunications “IMT-2000” initiative.

F.3 IEEE

The IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA), a globally recognized standards-setting body within IEEE,

develops consensus standards through an open process that engages industry and brings together a broad

stakeholder community. IEEE standards set specifications and best practices based on current scientific and

technological knowledge. The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of over 900 active standards and more than 500

standards under development.

The IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee develops and maintains networking standards and

recommended practices for local, metropolitan, and other area networks, using an open and accredited process,

and advocates them on a global basis. The most widely used standards are for Ethernet, Bridging and Virtual

Bridged LANs Wireless LAN, Wireless PAN, Wireless MAN, Wireless Coexistence, Media Independent

Handover Services, and Wireless RAN. These standards are published by the IEEE Standards Association

(IEEE-SA) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). An individual Working Group

provides the focus for each area.

The IEEE standards relevant for IMT-2000 OFDMA TDD WMAN, designated as IEEE Std 802.16 and IEEE

Std 802.16.1, are developed and maintained by the IEEE 802.16 Working Group on Broadband Wireless

Access.

http://www.3gpp.org/about-3gpp/about-3gpp

Annex G 73

ANNEX G

Published Recommendations, Reports and ongoing activities

of ITU-R on Terrestrial IMT

G.1 Overall relationship diagram of ITU-R WP 5D deliverables and ongoing activities

(since WP 5D #13)

IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced “IMT-2020”58

Application and service

related aspects

– – Rec. ITU-R M.[IMT.VISION]

– Rep. ITU-R M.2117-1

– Rep. ITU-R M.2291-0

– Rep. ITU-R M.[IMT.AV]

Technology related

aspects

– Rec. ITU-R M.1457

– Recs. ITU-R M.1580-5, ITU-R M.1581-5

– Rec. ITU-R M.2012

– Recs. ITU-R M.2070, ITU-R M.2071

– Revision of Rec. ITU-R M.1579-1

– Rep. ITU-R M.[IMT.ARCH]

– Rep. ITU-R M.2320-0

– Rep. ITU-R M.[IMT.ABOVE 6 GHz]

Spectrum related

aspect

– Rep. ITU-R M.2289-0

– Rec. ITU-R M.1768-1

– Rep. ITU-R M.2290-0

– Revision of Rec. ITU-R M.1036-4

– Rep. ITU-R

M.[IMT.ARRANGEMENTS]

– Rep. ITU-R M.2039-3

– Rep. ITU-R M.2292-0

– Rep. ITU-R M.[IMT.SMALL Cell]

– Rep. ITU-R M.[TDD.COEXISTENCE]

– Rep. ITU-R M.[IMT.BEYOND2020

TRAFFIC]

G.2 Published Recommendations and Reports of ITU-R related to Terrestrial IMT

G.2.1 Report ITU-R M.2117-1 – Software-defined radio in the land mobile, amateur and

amateur-satellite services

This Report addresses the application and implications of SDR to land mobile systems, including, but not

limited to, IMT systems, dispatch systems, intelligent transport systems (ITS), public mobile systems including

public protection and disaster relief (PPDR), first and second generation cellular systems including their

enhancements, and amateur and amateur-satellite systems. It addresses issues on the characteristics, software

download and its security, operational considerations such as spectrum usage and flexibility as well as

certification and conformity, and SDR applications to specific land mobile systems.

The first revision of this Report was based on the recent results of ITU-R studies on SDR and CRS. The recent

ITU-R study gives clear definitions to SDR and CRS. The contents on cognitive radio system (CRS) and its

related technologies were removed from this Report since the topics on CRS are elaborated and well-described

in Report ITU-R M.2225. The term “IMT-2000 and systems beyond IMT-2000” was changed to general

58 The use of the term “IMT-2020” is a placeholder terminology and the specific nomenclature to be adopted

for the future development of IMT is expected to be finalized at the Radiocommunication Assembly 2015.


terminology of “IMT systems”, taking into account the progress of the ITU-R study on IMT-2000 and

IMT-Advanced. The SDR applications to ITS, PPDR as well as amateur and amateur-satellite systems were

also updated according to the recent advance of the related technologies.

G.2.2 Recommendation ITU-R M.1457-11 – Detailed specifications of the terrestrial radio

interfaces of International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)

This Recommendation has been developed based on consideration of the results of a defined evaluation process

employed by the ITU-R on IMT-2000 radio proposals that have been submitted in response to a set of defined

requirements. Further consideration was given to consensus building, recognizing the need to minimize the

number of different radio interfaces and maximize their commonality keeping in mind the end-user needs,

while incorporating the best possible performance capabilities in the various IMT-2000 radio operating

environments.

The Radiocommunication Assembly recommends that the radio interfaces given in below should be those of

the terrestrial component of IMT-2000.

– IMT-2000 CDMA Direct Spread

– IMT-2000 CDMA Multi-Carrier

– IMT-2000 CDMA TDD

– IMT-2000 TDMA Single-Carrier

– IMT-2000 FDMA/TDMA

– IMT-2000 OFDMA TDD WMAN.

Revisions to this Recommendation have been developed jointly by the ITU and the radio interface technology

proponent organizations, global partnership projects and standards development organizations. Updates,

enhancements and additions to the radio interfaces incorporated in this Recommendation have undergone a

defined process of development and review to ensure consistency with the original goals and objectives

established for IMT-2000 while acknowledging the obligation to accommodate the changing requirements of

the global marketplace.

The main changes of the eleventh revision of Recommendation ITU-R M.1457 include the addition of

enhanced capabilities for some of the radio interfaces, and some consequential changes to the overview

sections of the text, as well as to the Global Core Specifications. Also the transposition references have been

updated. In addition, section 6 (“Recommendations on unwanted emission limits”) and Annex 1

(“Abbreviations”) were reinserted (they were inadvertently omitted in the previous version of the

Recommendation). Also a footnote was added in the Introduction in order to clarify the relation between

Recommendation ITU-R M.1457 and Recommendation ITU-R M.2012. Further, a clarifying sentence on the

specifications was added at the beginning of each section 5.x.2.


interfaces of International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)

This 12th revision of Recommendation ITU-R M.1457 is intended to keep the specified technologies of the

terrestrial component of IMT-2000 up to date. The main changes include the addition of enhanced capabilities

for some of the radio interfaces, and some consequential changes to the overview sections of the text, as well

as to the Global Core Specifications. Also the transposition references have been updated.

G.2.4 Recommendation ITU-R M.1768-1 – Methodology for calculation of spectrum

requirements for the terrestrial component of International Mobile

Telecommunications

This Recommendation presents the methodology for calculating the spectrum requirements for the further

development of IMT. The methodology accommodates a complex mixture of services from market studies

with service categories having different traffic volumes and QoS constraints. The methodology takes into

account the time-varying and regionally-varying nature of traffic. The methodology applies a technology

neutral approach to handle emerging as well as established systems using the Radio access technique group

Annex G 75

(RATG) approach with a limited set of radio parameters. The four RATGs considered cover all relevant radio

access technologies.

RATG1: Pre-IMT systems, IMT-2000 and its enhancements.

RATG2: IMT-Advanced systems as described in Recommendation ITU-R M.2012.

RATG3: Existing radio LANs and their enhancements.

RATG4: Digital mobile broadcasting systems and their enhancements.

The methodology distributes traffic to different RATGs and radio environments using technical and market

related information. For RATG3 and RATG4, no spectrum requirements are calculated. For the traffic

distributed to RATG1 and RATG2, the methodology transforms the traffic volumes from market studies into

capacity requirements using separate algorithms for packet-switched and circuit switched (reservation based)

service categories and takes into account the gain in multiplexing packet services with different QoS

characteristics. The methodology transforms capacity requirements into spectrum requirements using spectral

efficiency values. The methodology considers practical network deployments to adjust the spectrum

requirements and calculates the aggregate spectrum requirements for further development of IMT.

The first revision of this Recommendation includes two changes to the methodology itself and several editorial

updates. The changes in the methodology are the following:

− introduction of the granularity concept of spectrum deployment per operator per radio

environment for improved increments;

− due to the enhancement of network deployment in IMT-Advanced, the spectrum sharing approach

between different radio environments in IMT-Advanced (RATG2) is changed to allow macro

cells and micro cells to use the same frequencies. This change may impact the spectrum

efficiencies which have to be taken into account in the input parameter values.

G.2.5 “User guide for the IMT spectrum requirement estimation tool” in ITU-R WP 5D

Web page

The tool for the implementation of the methodology to determine global spectrum requirements for IMT in

Recommendation ITU-R M.1768-1 is presented. This methodology and tool could also be used to estimate the

total IMT spectrum requirements of a specific country if all the input parameter values are specified (as

described in the methodology itself).

G.2.6 Report ITU-R M.2289-0 – Future radio aspect parameters for use with the

terrestrial IMT spectrum estimate methodology of Recommendation

ITU-R M.1768-1

This Report presents the future radio aspect parameters for use with the terrestrial IMT spectrum estimate

methodology of Recommendation ITU-R M.1768-1 in conjunction with developing the future spectrum

requirement estimate for terrestrial IMT systems, principally focused towards the years 2020 and beyond.

G.2.7 Report ITU-R M.2292-0 – Characteristics of terrestrial IMT-Advanced systems for

frequency sharing/interference analyses

IMT systems have been the main method of delivering wide area mobile broadband applications. In order to

accommodate increasing amount of mobile traffic and user demand for higher data rates, IMT-Advanced which

is evolution of IMT-2000, is planned to be deployed in the world.

Frequency sharing studies and interference analyses involving IMT systems and other systems and services

operating in the same or the adjacent bands may need to be undertaken within ITU-R. To perform the necessary

sharing studies between IMT systems and systems in other services, characteristics of the terrestrial component

of IMT-Advanced systems are needed.

This Report provides the baseline characteristics of terrestrial IMT-Advanced systems for use of sharing and

compatibility studies between IMT-Advanced systems and other systems and services.

https://www.itu.int/oth/tiesonly/download.aspx?file=R0A060000580001MSWE.docx


G.2.8 Report ITU-R M.2291-0 – The use of International Mobile Telecommunications for

broadband public protection and disaster relief applications

This Report has considered how the use of IMT, and LTE in particular, can support current and possible future

PPDR applications. The broadband PPDR communication applications are detailed in various ITU-R

Resolutions, Recommendations and Reports; and this Report has assessed the LTE system capabilities to

support these applications. This Report has also considered the benefits that can be realized when common

radio interfaces technical features, and functional capabilities, are employed to address communications needs

of public safety agencies. Also, the report describes the features and benefits that make LTE particularly

suitable for PPDR applications as compared to traditional PPDR systems.

G.2.9 Report ITU-R M.2290-0 – Future spectrum requirements estimate for terrestrial

IMT

This Report provides results of studies on estimated spectrum requirements for terrestrial IMT. The estimated

spectrum requirements are calculated using the methodology defined in Recommendation ITU-R M.1768-1

and the corresponding input parameter values, taking into account recent advances in technologies and the

deployments of terrestrial IMT networks as well as recent developments in mobile telecommunication markets.

The total spectrum requirements for both RATG 1 (i.e. pre-IMT, IMT-2000, and its enhancements) and

RATG2 (i.e. IMT-Advanced) in the year 2020 are estimated using the two different settings in order to reflect

differences in the markets and deployments and timings of the mobile data growth in different countries. The

estimated total spectrum requirements for both the RATGs 1 and 2 are 1 340 MHz and 1 960 MHz for lower

user density settings and higher user density settings, respectively.


interfaces of International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT-Advanced)

This Recommendation identifies the terrestrial radio interface technologies of International Mobile

Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT-Advanced) and provides the detailed radio interface specifications of

“LTE-Advanced” and “WirelessMAN-Advanced”. These radio interface specifications detail the features and

parameters of IMT-Advanced. The 1st revision of Recommendation ITU-R M.2012 is intended to keep the

specified technologies of the terrestrial component of IMT-Advanced up to date. The main changes include

the addition of enhanced capabilities for both radio interface technologies in Annexes, and some consequential

changes to the overview sections of the text, as well as to the Global Core Specifications. Also the transposition

references have been updated.

In addition, a footnote was added in the Introduction in order to clarify the relation between Recommendations

ITU-R M.1457 and ITU-R M.2012 and also noting b) is added to refer to the evaluation results on revised

RIT/SRIT.

G.2.11 Recommendation ITU-R M.1579-2 – Global circulation of IMT terrestrial terminals

The purpose of this Recommendation is to establish the technical basis for global circulation of IMT terrestrial

terminals based on terminals not causing harmful interference in any country where they circulate:

– by conforming to IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced terrestrial radio interface specifications; and

– by complying with unwanted emission limits for IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced terrestrial radio

interfaces.

This revision of Recommendation ITU-R M.1579-1 adds the technical basis for global circulation of IMT

Advanced terminals.

Annex G 77

G.2.12 Recommendation ITU-R M.1580-5 – Generic unwanted emission characteristics of

base stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-2000, and

Recommendation ITU-R M.1581-5 – Generic unwanted emission characteristics of

mobile stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-2000

Recommendation ITU-R M.1580-5 provides the generic unwanted emission characteristics of base stations

using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-2000. And, Recommendation M.1581-5 provides the generic

unwanted emission characteristics of mobile stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT 2000, suitable

for establishing the technical basis for global circulation of IMT-2000 terminals. Implementation of

characteristics of base/mobile stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-2000 in any of the bands

included in this Recommendation is subject to compliance with the Radio Regulations.

G.2.13 Recommendation ITU-R M.2070 – Generic unwanted emission characteristics of

base stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-Advanced, and

Recommendation ITU-R M.2071 – Generic unwanted emission characteristics of

mobile stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-Advanced

Recommendation ITU-R M.2070 provides the generic unwanted emission characteristics of base stations using

the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-Advanced. And, Recommendation ITU-R M.2071 provides the generic

unwanted emission characteristics of mobile stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-Advanced,

suitable for establishing the technical basis for global circulation of IMT-Advanced terminals. Implementation

of characteristics of base/mobile stations using the terrestrial radio interfaces of IMT-Advanced in any of the

bands included in this Recommendation is subject to compliance with the Radio Regulations.

G.2.14 Report ITU-R M.2039-3 – Characteristics of terrestrial IMT-2000 systems for

frequency sharing/interference analyses

This Report provides the baseline characteristics of terrestrial IMT-2000 systems only for use in frequency

sharing and interference analysis studies involving IMT-2000 systems and between IMT-2000 systems and

other systems.

Recommendations ITU-R M.1457, ITU-R M.1580 and ITU-R M.1581 provide standardization information

relating to IMT-2000 interfaces.

Parameters for IMT-Advanced interfaces are not addressed in this Report. They are addressed in Report ITU-R

M.2292.

The characteristics of the IMT-2000 interfaces have been grouped by frequency ranges:

– below 1 GHz,

– between 1 and 3 GHz,

– between 3 and 6 GHz.

Band specific variations, if any, are reflected in the tables.

G.2.15 Report ITU-R M.2320 – Future technology trends of terrestrial IMT systems

This Report provides a broad view of future technical aspects of terrestrial IMT systems considering the time

frame 2015-2020 and beyond. It includes information on technical and operational characteristics of IMT

systems, including the evolution of IMT through advances in technology and spectrally-efficient techniques,

and their deployment.

Technologies described in this Report are collections of possible technology enablers which may be applied

in the future. This Report does not preclude the adoption of any other technologies that exist or appear in the

future, and newly emerging technologies are expected in the future.


G.2.16 Report ITU-R M.2334 – Passive and active antenna systems for base stations of IMT

systems

This report addresses several aspects of active and passive antenna systems for base stations of IMT systems,

including the definitions of antenna systems, associated components and terminology; definitions for common

performance parameters and tolerances; guidelines on performance parameters and tolerances; and

considerations of advanced concepts.

G.3 Work ongoing and underway in ITU-R WP 5D

G.3.1 Draft new Recommendation ITU-R M.[IMT.VISION] – Framework and overall

objectives of the future development of IMT for 2020 and beyond

This draft new Recommendation defines the framework and overall objectives of the future development of

IMT for 2020 and beyond in light of the roles that IMT could play to better serve the needs of the networked

society in the future. The framework of the future development of IMT for 2020 and beyond are described in

detail in this Recommendation. This framework is defined considering the development of IMT systems to

date based on the framework and overall objectives described in Recommendation ITU-R M.1645. This

Recommendation addresses the framework and objectives of the future development of IMT for 2020 and

beyond that fulfil the needs of future service scenarios and use cases for both the evolutionary path of existing

IMT as well as for new IMT system capabilities.

G.3.2 Draft 5th revision of Recommendation ITU-R M.1036 – Frequency arrangements for

implementation of the terrestrial component of International Mobile

Telecommunications (IMT) in the bands

This draft 5th revision of Recommendation provides guidance on the selection of transmitting and receiving

frequency arrangements for the terrestrial component of IMT systems as well as the arrangements themselves,

with a view to assisting administrations on spectrum-related technical issues relevant to the implementation

and use of the terrestrial component of IMT in the bands identified in the RR. The frequency arrangements are

recommended from the point of view of enabling the most effective and efficient use of the spectrum to deliver

IMT services – while minimizing the impact on other systems or services in these bands – and facilitating the

growth of IMT systems.

G.3.3 Draft 2nd revision of Recommendation ITU-R M.2012 – Detailed specifications of

the terrestrial radio interfaces of international mobile telecommunications-

advanced (IMT-Advanced)

This draft 2nd revision of Recommendation ITU-R M.2012 is to include the latest technology updates to current

IMT-Advanced RIT and SRIT based on the proposals from GCS Proponents, and to add new RIT/SRIT if new

candidates are proposed, evaluated and agreed to be included as per current process.

G.3.4 Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.ABOVE 6 GHz] – The technical feasibility of IMT

in the bands above 6 GHz

This Report is to study and provide information on technical feasibility of IMT in the bands above 6 GHz.

Technical feasibility includes information on how current IMT systems, their evolution, and/or potentially new

IMT radio interface technologies and system approaches could be appropriate for operation in the bands above

6 GHz, taking into account the impact of the propagation characteristics related to the possible future operation

of IMT in those bands. Technology enablers such as developments in active and passive components, antenna

techniques, deployment architectures, and the results of simulations and performance tests are considered.

G.3.5 Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.BEYOND2020 TRAFFIC] – IMT traffic

estimates beyond year 2020

This draft new Report will include estimates of IMT (including cellular and Mobile broadband) traffic and

estimates of numbers of subscriptions and also including other relevant information impacting traffic

estimation. This Report covers a period of 2020-2025 and even beyond.

Annex G 79

G.3.6 Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.SMALL CELL] – Compatibility study between

FSS networks and IMT systems in the band 3 400-3 600 MHz for small cell

deployments

The draft new Report includes the compatibility study between FSS networks and IMT systems in the band

3 400-3 600 MHz for small cell deployments in the same geographical area and in adjacent geographical areas

based on existing allocations/identifications from WRC-07. The impact of other possible types of IMT

deployment based upon macro and micro cells, operating in line with the provisions of the Radio Regulations,

are not considered by this ITU-R Report, since those are already contained in Report ITU-R M.2109.

Mitigation techniques such as resilient and flexible technologies to be used in conjunction with IMT small cell

deployments to facilitate protection of FSS networks are also considered in cases where spectrum sharing

mechanisms are deemed appropriate.

G.3.7 Draft new Report ITU-R M.[TDD.COEXISTENCE] – Coexistence of two TDD

networks in the 2 300-2 400 MHz band

The band 2 300-2 400 MHz was globally identified for IMT at WRC-07 in accordance with Footnote 5.384A

in the Radio Regulations. The band 2 300-2 400 MHz is being used or is planned to be used for mobile

broadband wireless access (BWA) including IMT technologies in a number of countries. This draft new Report

will address on the coexistence of two co-located adjacent spectrum blocks in the 2 300-2 400 MHz band in

TDD mode in order to maximize benefits from a harmonized use of the band.

G.3.8 Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.ARCH] – Architecture and topology of IMT

networks

This draft new Report provides an overview of the architecture and topology of IMT networks and a

perspective on the dimensioning of the respective transport requirements in these topologies. This document

covers different architectural aspects in a general level of detail.

G.3.9 Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.AV] – Interactive unicast and multicast audio-

visual capabilities and applications provided over terrestrial International Mobile

Telecommunication (IMT) systems

This draft new Report describes technical and operational characteristics of interactive unicast and multicast

audio-visual services and applications provided over terrestrial IMT systems (AV over IMT), taking into

consideration the evolving needs and user demands, trends and new user behaviours, and the particular needs,

role and functions in developing economies.

G.3.10 Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.ARRANGEMENTS] – Channelling

arrangements for IMT adapted to the frequency band below 790 MHz down to

around 694 MHz for Region 1

This draft new Report provides the harmonized channelling arrangements for IMT adapted to the frequency

band below 790 MHz down to around 694 MHz for Region 1, as indicated in Resolution 232 (WRC-12)

“invites ITU-R 2”, which directly supports WRC-15 agenda item 1.2, taking into account the existing

arrangements in Region 1 in the bands between 790 and 862 MHz as defined in the last version of

Recommendation ITU-R M.1036, in order to ensure coexistence with the networks operated in the new

allocation and the operational networks in the band 790-862 MHz.

Ongoing activities of ITU-R WP 5D planned to be finalized in June 2015 (WP 5D #22):

– Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.SMALL CELL]

– Revision of Recommendation ITU-R M.1036

– Draft new Recommendation ITU-R M.[IMT VISION]

– Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.ABOVE 6 GHz]

– Revision of Recommendation ITU-R M.2012-1

– Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.ARCH]


– Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.BEYOND 2020 TRAFFIC]

– Draft new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.AV]

– Draft new Report ITU-R M.[TDD.COEXISTENCE]

G.4 All list of ITU-R Recommendations and Reports on IMT

All the ITU-R Recommendations and Reports on IMT, including those that are outside the responsibility of

WP 5D, are listed in the following web pages:

– List of ITU-R Recommendations on IMT: www.itu.int/itu-r/go/imt-rec

– List of ITU-R Reports on IMT: www.itu.int/itu-r/go/imt-rep

http://www.itu.int/itu-r/go/imt-rec

http://www.itu.int/itu-r/go/imt-rep

Annex H 81

ANNEX H

Satellite IMT (and other, related) Recommendations and Reports

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1850-1 – Detailed specifications of the radio interfaces for the

satellite component of International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)

– Report ITU-R M.2176-1 – Vision and requirements for the satellite radio interface(s)

of IMT-Advanced

– Report ITU-R M.2279 – Outcome of the evaluation, consensus building and decision of the IMT-

Advanced satellite process (Steps 4 to 7), including characteristics of IMT Advanced satellite

radio interfaces

– Recommendation ITU-R M.2047 – Detailed specifications of the satellite radio interfaces of

International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT-Advanced)

– Recommendation ITU-R M.687-2 – International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)

– Recommendation ITU-R M.818-2 – Satellite operation within International Mobile

Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1167 – Framework for the satellite component of International

Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)

– Recommendation ITU-R M.1391-1 – Methodology for the calculation of IMT-2000 satellite

spectrum requirements

– Report ITU-R M.2041 – Sharing and adjacent band compatibility in the 2.5 GHz band between

the terrestrial and satellite components of IMT-2000 (2003)

– Report ITU-R M.2077 – Traffic forecasts and estimated spectrum requirements for the satellite

component of IMT-2000 and systems beyond IMT-2000 for the period 2010 to 2020

Annex I 83

ANNEX I

Technology migration in a given frequency band

I.1 Frequency resource allocation

Two frequency allocation modes are available, depending on the operator’s spectrum resource usage: edge

frequency allocation and sandwich frequency allocation. These schemes are depicted in Figure 25.

FIGURE 25

Multi-RAT frequency allocations

Global Trends-25.

GSM BCCH

WCDMA

GSM non-BCCH-

WCDMAGSMOther

operator

WCDMAGSM GSMOther

operator

Edge Frequency Allocation

The UMTS/LTE and GSM systems are arranged side-by-side and maintain standard central frequency

separation from the UMTS/LTE and GSM of other operators.

Sandwich Frequency Allocation

Within the frequency band of an operator, the UMTS/LTE is arranged in the middle with the GSM on both

sides. If the operator has abundant frequency resources, it may allocate a second UMTS carrier or bigger

bandwidth LTE as network services expand. At this point, the UMTS/LTE can be arranged at one side of the

operator's frequency band for asymmetric sandwich allocation. The GSM spectrum at the other side is as wide

as possible, and thus the UMTS/LTE planned does not require adjustment, which facilitates smooth capacity

expansion.

For the single sided method, only one additional guard band is needed while in the sandwich allocation two

additional guard bands are needed. The sandwich allocation does not require the consideration of interference

with the systems of other operators.

Non-standard frequency separation planning

Due to limited frequency resources and high GSM capacity demand, non-standard frequency separation can

be adopted to increase frequency efficiency.


In UMTS 900 MHz network, the bandwidth may be less than 5 MHz because of smaller frequency resource

from GSM network. Thus, non-standard frequency separation is adopted. And UMTS 4.2 MHz is the

recommended solution for both UMTS network deployment feasibility and the benefit to GSM. Besides,

UMTS 4.6 MHz, 3.8 MHz also is possible to be adopted. In Figure 26, when using UMTS non-standard

bandwidth 4.6 MHz, 4.2 MHz, 3.8 MHz; 2, 4, 6 frequency channels can be saved for GSM correspondingly.

It is possible to operate WCDMA with a carrier as low as 4.2 MHz. However, it should be noted that even

though a bandwidth less than 5 MHZ is not standardized for MS or RBS (Radio Base Station), it only implies

minimal loss of capacity for WCDMA.

The sandwich allocation method is the preferred solution if 4.2 MHz is allocated for WCDMA. In that case it

is preferable to use WCDMA carrier centred in own spectrum to avoid un-coordinated scenarios with other

operators.

Annex I 85

FIGURE 26

UMTS non-standard separation configuration

Global Trends-26.

2.4 MHz 2.4 MHz

U4.6 M

2.2 MHz2.2 MHz

U4.2 M

2.0 MHz

U3.8 M

2.0 MHz

For 1800 MHz bands which preferable re-farming direction is LTE, a similar issue exists. If 1800 MHz

frequency resource owned by one operator is insufficient, Compact Bandwidth can be enabled so that the

LTE1800 network can be deployed by re-farming from GSM networks.

GSM frequency resources are substantially reduced after re-farming. GSM traffic will not fall in the short term,

however, and in some areas may even increase slightly. This may result in capacity issues of GSM system.

This issue may be addressed through traffic migration and tight frequency reuse.

Buffer zone solution

In the case of GSM and UMTS/LTE co-channel interference, a space separation is required to reduce the co-

channel interference as illustrated in Figure 27 below. Areas with UMTS/LTE networks deployed and their

peripheral areas form a band-type area. In this area, GSM networks cannot use frequencies overlapped in

UMTS/LTE frequency spectrums and therefore GSM network capacity decreases. A large space separation

for co-channel interference decreases impacts of GSM and UMTS/LTE co-channel interference on network

performance. For space separation for co-channel interference, buffer zone planning solution is based on

emulation and onsite traffic statistics to accommodate different scenarios.


FIGURE 27

Buffer Zone Solution

Global Trends-27.

GSM zone

Buffer zone

IMT zone

I.2 Coexistence between GSM and IMT in the adjacent frequencies

I.2.1 Interference and intermodulation issues

Interference

When GSM re-farming is implemented, except for interference between GSM and UMTS/LTE under standard

separation or non-standard separation, narrow band interference in UMTS/LTE network is stricter. The narrow

band interference may be from GSM TRXs that are not cleared completely, or may be from external

interference source, like traffic light, broadcast signal, etc. These interference signals are not constant, and

their strength is variable.

Intermodulation

Intermodulation problems can occur after GSM re-farming, when GSM will coexist with UMTS or LTE in

one band. The intermodulation may be caused by antenna aging, feeder/jumper connection loose, etc., which

will also exist in all other RAT combinations as well (as well as single RAT GSM operation).

Guard Band and Carrier Separation

The definition of guard band and carrier separation used in this document is shown in Figure 28 below:

Annex I 87

FIGURE 28

Carrier separation and guard band

Global Trends-28.

Guard band

Carrier1

Carrier2

Carrier separation

Carrier separation: the frequency band between two carrier centres.

Guard band: the unutilized frequency band between two carriers.

I.2.2 Coexistence between GSM and WCDMA

An example of Sharing/Coexistence between GSM and WCDMA in the adjacent frequencies is presented in

Figure 29. Given an operator that will deploy WCDMA within its current limited GSM spectrum the issues

can be summarized as:

– Re-farming of many GSM carriers makes the GSM frequency re-planning “difficult” but creates

“few” inter-system interference issues (case a) below).

– Re-farming of few GSM carriers makes the GSM frequency re-planning “easy” but creates

“severe” inter-system interference issues (case b) below).

FIGURE 29

Two Re-farming scenarios

Global Trends-29

a) larger bandwidth for WCDMA - fewer GSM carriers

GSM WCDMA GSM

GSM WCDMA GSM

b) Smaller bandwidth for WCDMA - more GSM carriers

I.2.2.1 Interference and site scenarios

Due to the imperfectness of the transmitter and/or receiver we may list some interference scenarios on how

GSM and WCDMA interfere with each other.


FIGURE 30

What and where the potential problems are

Global Trends-30

G

Two site scenarios:

. Coordinated, all WCDMA and GSM RBSs are located at the same geographical location. Un-coordinated, no site sharing. WCDMA and GSM on different geographicalRBSs locations.

4. 3. W

2. 1.

G W

Four cases:1.GSM RBS interfering WCDMA UE.2. WCDMA RBS interfering GSM MS.3. GSM MS interfering WCDMA RBS.4. WCDMA UE interfering GSM RBS.

Two ways of ‘placing’ a WCDMA carrier:

GSM

GSM WCDMA

WCDMA GSM

As Figure 30 is illustrating, there are four important interference cases

– GSM downlink interfering with the WCDMA downlink

– WCDMA downlink interfering with the GSM downlink

– GSM uplink interfering with the WCDMA uplink

– WCDMA uplink interfering with the GSM uplink.

In addition there are two site scenarios to consider:

– Coordinated sites, i.e. the WCDMA and GSM antennas are co-located

– Un-coordinated sites, i.e. there is no site sharing.

I.2.2.2 WCDMA Downlink capacity loss due to GSM

The WCDMA DL (Downlink) capacity loss is controlled by the WCDMA terminal channel selectivity

requiring at least a 2.8 MHz separation.

It is therefore difficult to make a prediction about performance if the carrier separation is decreased. However,

regardless of the terminal performance, at a channel separation of 2.2-2.3 MHz the channel leakage increases

dramatically and would make it very difficult indeed to operate with this kind of channel separation.

However, if the GSM channel power is sufficiently controlled and the traffic load is small it is possible to

operate at a tolerable impact on the DL capacity.

One way of achieving this is to make sure that the GSM channels that overlap the WCDMA carrier (have

spacing smaller than 2.6 MHz) are used in a low traffic sub-cell layer and aggressive BTS power control is

used (and hence the impact on the DL WCDMA capacity also minimized).

I.2.2.3 WCDMA Uplink capacity loss due to GSM

The WCDMA UL (Uplink) capacity loss is assumed to be controlled by the GSM terminal channel leakage.

The GSM channel leakage behaves acceptable until 2.2-2.3 MHz carrier spacing, below which it becomes very

difficult to operate.

Note that GSM terminals have a limited dynamic range for power control and at some small path loss they

simply do not down regulate anymore. This implies that a single GSM terminal can cause severe WCDMA

UL noise rise and corresponding severe degradation in coverage.

Annex I 89

The remedy here is to make sure that the load on overlapping carriers (any carrier with a channel separation to

the WCDMA carrier lower then say 2.4 MHz) must be very low indeed.

Another remedy is to avoid using these GSM carriers close to the base station.

I.2.2.4 GSM Uplink capacity loss due to WCDMA

The GSM UL performance is controlled by the WCDMA terminal channel leakage which is insignificant for

a 2.8 MHz carrier separation.

From the specification data the critical point comes below 2.5-2.6 MHz separation where the channel leakage

suddenly increases.

The GSM UL performance should degrade at channel separation below 2.5 MHz, however given that WCDMA

terminals have a much larger dynamic range in their power control it is a much less impacting effect than the

one expected in WCDMA UL loss and the GSM UL performance on channels overlapping the WCDMA

carrier is not significantly affected.

I.2.2.5 GSM Downlink capacity loss due to WCDMA

The GSM DL outage is insignificant for a 2.8 MHz carrier separation.

Assuming that the WCDMA base station controls the GSM DL performance at smaller channel separations a

critical point appears to be at channel spacing around 2.5-2.6 MHz. Going below that seems to be very difficult.

I.2.2.6 Summary

The preferred scenario is to use coordinated GSM and WCDMA sites and the WCDMA carrier sandwiched

in-between GSM carriers. The closest/overlapping GSM carriers should be TCH (Traffic Channel) only (not

a BCCH-Broadcast Control Channel- carrier), having the smallest traffic load possible and aggressive power

control. This setup allows the use of a carrier spacing as low as 2.5 MHz with low performance degradation

both on WCDMA and GSM.

I.3 Coexistence of Various GSM/CDMA-MC/UMTS/LTE Technologies in 850 and

900 MHz Bands

Although initially the 900 MHz band spectrum (UL: 880-915 MHz, DL: 925-960 MHz) was used for GSM

technology, at present in many countries this band is also being used for UMTS and LTE technologies.

Similarly, the 850 MHz band spectrum (UL: 824-849 MHz, DL: 869-894 MHz) is initially used for

CDMA-MC technology and now it is also being used for UMTS and LTE technologies, as a replacement.

Because of the closeness between the 850 MHz band downlink spectrum with the 900 MHz band uplink

spectrum, there is higher possibility for inter-band interference issues. Also due to multiple technologies being

used with the 850/900 MHz band spectrum, there is a possibility for intra-band interference issues happening

within the 850/900 MHz band spectrum. While collocated/coordinated deployments solve most of the intra-

band interference issues, the inter-band interference issues would exist in both collocated/non-collocated

deployment scenarios. The inter-band interference issues between the 850 MHz band downlink and the

900 MHz band uplink at 880/890 MHz boundary are very severe in nature and needs special attention to solve

those interference issues.

With CDMA, UMTS and LTE technologies being used in the 850 MHz band (assuming GSM850 possibility

in Asia-Pacific region is very remote) and any of the GSM, UMTS and LTE technologies being used in the

900 MHz band (as shown in Figure 31), the following types of inter-band interference issues are observed

between the 850 MHz band downlink and the 900 MHz band uplink at 880/890 MHz boundary:

– CDMA/UMTS/LTE850 base station transmission affecting the reception performance of

GSM/UMTS/LTE900 base station (900 MHz band uplink is getting affected).

– GSM/UMTS/LTE900 mobile transmission affecting the reception performance of the

CDMA/UMTS/LTE850 mobile (850 MHz band downlink is getting affected).


FIGURE 31

Inter-band interference issues between 850 and 900 MHz bands systems

Global Trends-31

Operator A Operator B

BTS to BTSinterference

UE to UEinterference

CMDA/UMTS/LTE850 BTS GSM/UMTS/LTE900 BTS

880/890 to 915 MHz: UplinkGMS/UMTS/LTE900 Node-B Rx and UE Tx

869 to 880/890 MHz: Down linkCDMA/UMTS/LTE850 Node-B Tx and UE Rx

CMDA/UMTS/LTE850 UE GSM/UMTS/LTE900 UE

I.3.1 Inter-band and Intra-band Interference issues between 850 and 900 MHz Bands

The inter-band interference issues are mainly either downlink-uplink or uplink-downlink type of interference

issues and they are more severe in nature. This type of interference issues are difficult to deal with because

they would generally lead to performance degradation if not tackled properly. There are two types of inter-

band interference issues and they are:

– Downlink Tx of the last 850 MHz band carrier (base station transmit) affecting the first 900 MHz

band carrier’s Uplink Rx (base station receive);

– First 900 MHz band carrier’s Uplink Tx (mobile transmit) affecting the last 850 MHz band

carrier’s Downlink Rx (mobile receive).

The two major interference issues with aggressors transmit affecting victim’s receive are:

– Out-of-band emissions (OOBE) of the aggressor signal entering as in-band interference that can

degrade the uplink performance at the victim’s receiver

– High power adjacent channel signal of the aggressor acting as strong Adjacent Channel

Interference (ACI) which may desensitize the victim’s receiver

While the OOBE type of interference can only be minimized at the source (at the aggressor’s transmitter) by

improving the Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio (ACLR) properties of the Aggressor through additional

transmit filtering, the ACI type of interference can be minimized at the destination (at the victim’s receiver)

by having better Adjacent Channel Selectivity (ACS) properties of the Victim through additional receive

filtering. To get the required additional ACLR/ACS characteristics, extra filtering is possible in the base

stations. Whereas, for cost and space reasons it may not be possible to have such additional filters in mobiles.

Minimum Coupling Loss (MCL) based approach can be used to calculate the amount of isolation required to

counter the effect of out-of-band emissions as well as the adjacent channel interference of the aggressor. The

required isolation in base station to base station inter-band interference issues is achieved partly through spatial

isolation from physical separation of antennas and remaining through special filters in Aggressor’s transmit

and Victim’s receive paths.

In the inter-band interference issues case, there are two different problems, one with the 850 MHz band base

station transmit signal affecting the performance of the 900 MHz band base station receive and the other with

the 900 MHz band mobile transmit affecting the performance of the 850 MHz band mobile receive. In case of

less than 90 dB of antenna isolation availability between the 850 MHz band base station and the 900 MHz

band base station antennas, assuming always 10 to 15 dB (more than the standards required value) of additional

Annex I 91

ACLR and ACS would be available for base stations, then there is a need for additional 30+ dB of ACLR

(through OOBE filtering) in the 850 MHz band base station Tx path as well as additional 20+ dB of ACS

(through ACI filtering) in the 900 MHz band base stations’ Rx path.

In the case of the 900 MHz band mobile Tx affecting the 850 MHz band mobile Rx, interference free operation

is not possible as the additional ACLR/ACS requirement is high and also it is not possible (cost and space

point-of-view) to have additional filters in mobiles. However, the probability of mobile to mobile interference

happening is very low, because the conditions that two close by 900 MHz band and 850 MHz band mobiles

simultaneously in active state and both in weak coverage state is very rare. Even though there is no additional

filtering solution possible in mobiles (no mitigation solution available for the aggressor mobile Tx interference

on victim mobile Rx), due to very low probability of such mobile-to-mobile interference happening (less than

2%), the victim downlink degradation possibility would also be very less.

Hence, to avoid inter-band interference issues, it is advisable (to the mobile wireless operators) to procure base

station equipment along with such additional filtering in all UMTS850 and UMTS900 and LTE900 systems at

the time of initial purchase itself. If not done during initial purchase, it is also possible to add these additional

filters at a later stage.

As new IMT (e.g. UMTS, LTE) technologies gets introduced into the 900 MHz band spectrum as an overlay

over the existing GSM technology deployments by carving out some spectrum, special care has to be taken by

the operators on two fronts. One is choosing the right technology for the overlay and the other is the amount

of spectrum to be carved out for the new technology. Also to be kept in mind is the knowhow on the possible

intra-band interference issues and the ways and means to tackle such interference issues.

The intra-band interference issues can occur between two technologies operating in adjacent slots of the

spectrum, especially when the base stations of these two technologies are deployed in an uncoordinated

fashion. In the overlay with new technology scenario, it is going to be mostly a coordinated deployment and

hence no intra-band interference issues. There is a slight advantage for UMTS900 overlay over the LTE900

overlay (in coordinated case), because of the additional guard band availability with a 5 MHz UMTS900

carrier, that allows two extra GSM (TCH) carriers in each side of the UMTS900 carrier (i.e. total of four GSM

carriers), compared to no extra GSM carriers possible with a 5 MHz LTE900 carrier. In an un-coordinated

(non-collocated) base station deployment (at the edge of operator’s spectrum) case, for minimal intra-band

interference; 5 MHz of spectrum is required to be carved out for a UMTS900 carrier and 5.2 MHz of spectrum

is required to be carved out for an LTE900 carrier.

I.3.2 Guard Band requirement in Inter-band case for cost-effective filtering

Sufficient guard band (GB) between two inter-band systems is required to not only achieve the standards based

ACLR and ACS values but also to have cost-effective filters in order to achieve additional isolation to fulfil

the total isolation requirement for interference free operation. For cost effective filtering in base stations, nearly

1.6 to 2.0 MHz of guard band is required between the two inter-band adjacent carriers. Any additional GB is

always good to have, as it would further help in getting increased isolation from filters at lesser cost, but it

would lead to spectrum wastage. Table 8 shown below gives suggested edge-to-edge separation (guard band)

in MHz between two adjacent aggressor and victim carriers. We assume, it is cost effectively possible to get

the required additional ACLR (up to 50 dB) for OOBE isolation and the required additional ACS (up to 35 dB)

for ACI isolation through special filters, with such amounts of GB provision.


TABLE 8

Suggested inter-band guard band between 850 and 900 MHz Bands carriers59

Technology in 850 MHz band Technology in 900 MHz band Suggested Edge-to-Edge Separation

(Guard Band in MHz)

CDMA (1.23 MHz) GSM (200 kHz) 1.6

CDMA (1.23 MHz) UMTS (5 MHz) 1.6

CDMA (1.23 MHz) LTE (5/10/15/20 MHz) 1.8/2.1/2.5/3.0

UMTS (5 MHz) GSM (200 kHz) 1.6

UMTS (5 MHz) UMTS (5 MHz) 1.6

UMTS (5 MHz) LTE (5/10/15/20 MHz) 1.6/1.9/2.3/2.8

LTE (5/10/15/20 MHz) GSM (200 kHz) 1.8/2.1/2.5/3.0

LTE (5/10/15/20 MHz) UMTS (5 MHz) 1.6/1.9/2.3/2.8

LTE (5/10/15/20 MHz) LTE (5/10/15/20 MHz) 1.8/2.1/2.5/3.0

I.4 Coexistence studies from CEPT between GSM and other systems

When the European Commission issued a mandate to CEPT on the technical conditions for allowing LTE and

possibly other technologies within the bands 880-915 MHz / 925-960 MHz and 1 710-1 785 MHz /

1 805-1 880 MHz (900/1 800 MHz bands), it has been studied the technical conditions under which LTE

technology (and other technology identified) can be deployed in the 900/1 800 MHz bands.

CEPT Report 40 (“in band”) [6] summarized the compatibility study for LTE and WiMAX operating within

the bands 880-915 MHz / 925-960 MHz and 1 710-1 785 MHz / 1 805-1 880 MHz (900/1 800 MHz bands)

Based on the analysis of the simulation results of the interference between LTE/WiMAX and GSM, the

frequency separation between the LTE/WiMAX channel edge and the nearest GSM carrier’s channel edge is

derived as follows:

– When LTE/WiMAX networks in 900/1800 MHz band and GSM900/1800 networks are in

uncoordinated operation, the recommended frequency separation between the LTE/WiMAX

channel edge and the nearest GSM carrier’s channel edge is 200 kHz or more.

– When LTE/WiMAX networks in 900/1 800 MHz band and GSM900/1800 networks are in

coordinated operation (co-located sites), no frequency separation is required between the

LTE/WiMAX channel edge and the nearest GSM carrier’s channel edge.

– The recommended frequency separation of 200 kHz or more for the uncoordinated operation can

be reduced based on agreement between network operators, bearing in mind that the

LTE/WiMAX wideband system may suffer some interference from GSM due to LTE/WiMAX

BS/UE receiver narrow band blocking effect.

CEPT Report 41 (“adjacent band”) [7] summarized compatibility study between LTE and WiMAX operating

within the bands 880-915 MHz / 925-960 MHz and 1 710-1 785 MHz / 1 805-1 880 MHz (900/1 800 MHz

bands) and systems operating in adjacent bands

CEPT Report 42 [8] summarized the investigation on compatibility between UMTS and adjacent band systems

above 960 MHz. The Report focuses on the compatibility between UMTS 900 on the one hand, and the

aeronautical systems (existing: DME and future: L-DACS) in the band 960-1 215/1 164 MHz.

59 This is based on the assumption of antenna isolation of 60 dB. For more detailed information please refer

to reference [9].

Annex J 93

ANNEX J

References

[1] 3GPP TS 23.402 V12.7.0 (2014-12), Technical Specification Group Services and System

Aspects; Architecture enhancements for non-3GPP accesses

[2] 3GPP TS 36.101 V12.6.0 (2014-12): “Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access

(E-UTRA); User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception” (Table 5.5-1)

[3] 3GPP TS 25.101 V12.6.0 (2014-12): “Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network;

User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception (FDD)” (Table 5.0)

[4] 3GPP TS 25.102 V12.0.0 (2014-09): “Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network;

User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception (TDD)” (Section 5.2)

[5] 3GPP2 C.S0057-E Version 1.0 October 2010: “Band Class Specification for cdma2000 Spread

Spectrum Systems Revision E

[6] CEPT Report 40, Compatibility study for LTE and WiMAX operating within the bands

880-915 MHz / 925-960 MHz and 1 710-1 785 MHz / 1 805-1 880 MHz (900/1 800 MHz bands)

[7] CEPT Report 41, Compatibility between LTE and WiMAX operating within the bands

880-915 MHz / 925-960 MHz and 1710-1785 MHz / 1805-1880 MHz (900/1800 MHz bands)

and systems operating in adjacent bands

[8] CEPT Report 42, Compatibility between UMTS and existing and planned aeronautical systems

above 960 MHz

[9] APT-AWG-REP-53 MIGRATION STRATEGY OF GSM TO MOBILE BROADBAND,

September 2014

______________

Printed in SwitzerlandGeneva, 2015

Photo credits: Shutterstock

International Telecommunication

UnionPlace des Nations

1211 Geneva 20Switzerland

Handbook onGlobal Trends in IMT

Edition of 2015

Radiocommunication Bureau

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IMT

2015

ISBN 978-92-61-15841-5

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